July 29, 2010

Aviagen concludes new vet lab's groundbreaking

Aviagen has recently concluded the groundbreaking of its new veterinary services laboratory to be built in Elkmont, Alabama, less than a mile from the company's existing lab facility.

Expected to be complete in the spring of 2011, the new building was designed to meet Biosafety Level 2 standards and will offer a comfortable and more energy efficient work environment for company veterinarians and laboratory technicians.

The new laboratory will be nearly twice the size of the current lab with almost 14,000 square feet supporting 20 employees, providing more space to support Aviagen's functions. Using the latest technology, the new lab will perform all diagnostic protocols as mandated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP), as well as other leading-edge molecular diagnostics supporting Aviagen's rigorous testing procedures aimed at meeting all domestic and global export requirements.

Dr Gregorio Rosales, Aviagen's VP of Veterinary Services, says, "Aviagen continues to be at the forefront in areas of biosecurity and bird health. As a leading supplier of quality poultry breeding stock, our emphasis and dedication to the health and well-being of the birds in our care is evidenced by the company's investment in our live production facilities, feed mill and now the new vet services lab. This new facility will expand our diagnostic capabilities and output to keep pace with the company's current needs and future growth."