Livestock and Poultry Farmers in Western Pennsylvania Gain Closer Access to Animal Testing

A new animal diagnostic center in western Pennsylvania will provide livestock and poultry farmers with faster access to testing for diseases and toxins, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

The New Bolton Center at Penn State Beaver, located in Monaca, will serve as a regional hub for veterinary diagnostics, including necropsies, toxicology testing, and disease surveillance. The facility, operated in partnership with Pennsylvania State University, opens as demand for on-site animal health services grows in the region.

Why it matters
Western Pennsylvania farmers previously relied on distant labs or mobile units for testing, often facing delays of weeks for critical results. The new center—expected to process up to 1,200 samples annually—cuts turnaround times to 48 hours or less for routine diagnostics, according to a statement from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Key services
The center will offer:

• Necropsies (animal autopsies) to diagnose sudden deaths
• Toxin and pathogen testing for poultry and livestock
• On-site sample collection to reduce transportation delays
• Emergency response support for disease outbreaks

Penn State officials say the facility will also collaborate with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to monitor regional disease trends, including avian influenza and bovine respiratory disease.

How it compares
Before the center’s launch, farmers in western Pennsylvania typically sent samples to:

• The Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Lab System (PADLS) in University Park (3–5 days for results)
• Private commercial labs (5–10 days, higher costs)

The new center’s 48-hour turnaround aligns with faster regional competitors like Ohio’s Animal Health Laboratory (24–48 hours), but with a focus on localized service for small- and mid-sized farms.

Next steps
The center will begin operations in late July 2026, with plans to expand testing capacity by 2027. Farmers can schedule appointments through Penn State Extension or the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s hotline.

Support available
For farmers needing assistance with sample submission or test interpretation:

• Penn State Extension: (877) 345-0691
• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: (717) 787-4591

A new animal diagnostic center in western Pennsylvania will provide livestock and poultry farmers with faster access to testing for diseases and toxins, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.

The New Bolton Center at Penn State Beaver, located in Monaca, will serve as a regional hub for veterinary diagnostics, including necropsies, toxicology testing, and disease surveillance. The facility, operated in partnership with Pennsylvania State University, opens as demand for on-site animal health services grows in the region.

Why it matters

Western Pennsylvania farmers previously relied on distant labs or mobile units for testing, often facing delays of weeks for critical results. The new center—expected to process up to 1,200 samples annually—cuts turnaround times to 48 hours or less for routine diagnostics, according to a statement from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Key services

The center will offer:

• Necropsies (animal autopsies) to diagnose sudden deaths
• Toxin and pathogen testing for poultry and livestock
• On-site sample collection to reduce transportation delays
• Emergency response support for disease outbreaks

Penn State officials say the facility will also collaborate with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to monitor regional disease trends, including avian influenza and bovine respiratory disease.

How it compares

Before the center’s launch, farmers in western Pennsylvania typically sent samples to:

• The Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Lab System (PADLS) in University Park (3–5 days for results)
• Private commercial labs (5–10 days, higher costs)

The new center’s 48-hour turnaround aligns with faster regional competitors like Ohio’s Animal Health Laboratory (24–48 hours), but with a focus on localized service for small- and mid-sized farms.

Next steps

The center will begin operations in late July 2026, with plans to expand testing capacity by 2027. Farmers can schedule appointments through Penn State Extension or the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s hotline.

Support available

For farmers needing assistance with sample submission or test interpretation:

• Penn State Extension: (877) 345-0691
• Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture: (717) 787-4591