The facility will replace Plum Island Animal Disease Center in New York.
The U.S. Departments of Agriculture (USDA) and Homeland Security (DHS) participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in Manhattan, Kansas. The development for this facility first began in 2006 and, in 2009, the Kansas location was selected as the site for construction. Now fully operational, this first-of-its-kind science center houses multiple laboratories capable of the highest level of biocontainment, allowing USDA researchers to identify and diagnose dangerous animal diseases.
“America’s farmers, ranchers, and consumers count on our researchers to understand, monitor for, and develop solutions to combat a variety of high-consequence animal pathogens, and a facility of this magnitude positions us to respond,” said Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. “This new, innovative facility will give USDA scientists access to cutting-edge, safe, and secure technology so they can continue to lead the world in animal health research, training, and diagnostics to protect our food supply, agricultural economy, and public health.”
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Secretary Vilsack as he collaborates on science and research surrounding animal-bourne disease.
- For DHS Secretary Mayorkas as he supports national security through animal agro-defense.
Sources: Department of Agriculture
