Ohio’s number one industry, food and agriculture will be getting a new laboratory.
According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture a groundbreaking was held for the new Ohio Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (OVDL). It will be housed in the Dr. Tony Forshey Animal Health Building. Construction is set to be complete in 2026.
The 70,000 square foot facility will include 40% more lab space and upgraded bio-security measures. $72 million was set aside in the Capitol Budget for the project that will allow for dozens of new staff members.
The laboratory helps protect public and animal health through testing services and currently conducts more than 452,000 tests a year for a $6 billion industry. Testing includes livestock, horses, companion and wild animals, zoos and fisheries.