Aviagen opens new veterinary diagnostic and research laboratory

//29 Jun 2011
Aviagen’s commitment to meet increasingly demanding domestic and international poultry health requirements continued to advance as it opens a new diagnostic and research laboratory in Elkmont, Alabama, USA.
The new laboratory provides expanded and dedicated areas for an array of laboratory work including bacteriology, serology, molecular diagnostics, genomics research, and pathological exams.

The multimillion-dollar facility was designed to meet biosafety level II (BSL-II) standards and rigorous employee safety criteria. The lab will serve the needs of all Aviagen breeding-production facilities in the US.

With office space for five veterinarians, a microbiologist, and an information management system administrator, Aviagen’s new laboratory will initially be staffed by 20 employees.

Authorized laboratory
This facility is an authorized National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) Laboratory and reflects the company’s dedication to ensuring the health status of its breeding stock and products, and its support of the broiler industry’s efforts to promote food safety.

“The new laboratory will help Aviagen meet the growing needs of its breeding program and production units,” said Dr. Gregorio Rosales, Vice President of Veterinary Services.

“This laboratory is an essential component that will allow us to maintain a [leading] role in the future and safeguard the supply of breeding stock to our customers in the US and over 45 countries around the world.”

Aviagen designed the lab with a commitment to maintaining strict biosecurity throughout. Access to laboratory areas is restricted to lab personnel only.

Bacteriology and pathological exam rooms have separate ventilation systems to prevent any cross-contamination. A drive-through window allows company personnel to drop off samples for testing without entering the facility.

To see more you can take a virtual tour of the lab