Aviagen Group has opened a multimillion diagnostic and research facility in Elkmont aimed at meeting world demand for healthy poultry. The 15,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility opened Monday.
“The new laboratory will help Aviagen meet the growing needs of its breeding program and production units,” said Gregorio Rosales of Athens, vice president of veterinary services. “Aviagen has been a leader in poultry genetics, health and biosecurity for more than a decade. This laboratory is an essential component that will allow us to maintain that role in the future and safeguard the supply of breeding stock to our customers in the U.S. and over 45 countries around the world.”
Aviagen is the world's leading poultry breeding company, developing pedigree lines for the production of broiler chickens under the Ross, Arbor Acres and Indian River brand names.
The new lab, which will serve the needs of all Aviagen breeding-production facilities in the U.S., features expanded and dedicated areas for an array of laboratory work, including bacteriology, serology, molecular diagnostics, genomics research and pathological exams, said Aviagen’s Beth Cook.
Initially, 20 employees will staff the lab, which provides office space for five veterinarians, a microbiologist, and an information-management system administrator, she said.
The lab was designed with a commitment to maintaining strict biosecurity, with access to laboratory areas restricted to lab personnel only, Cook said. Bacteriology and pathogical exam rooms have separate ventilation systems to prevent any cross-contamination, she said. A drive-through window allows company personnel to drop off samples for testing without entering the facility, Cook said.
The facility, which is an authorized National Poultry Improvement Plan Laboratory, 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.
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