Cornell ushered in a new era of disease diagnosis and prevention Friday, Oct. 1, with the opening of the state-of-the-art New York State Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory to monitor human and animal disease.

The new laboratory, at 240 Farrier Drive at the College of Veterinary Medicine on the Cornell campus, "will inspire 21st century discovery, strengthen our ability to successfully respond to emergencies and protect the animals and citizens of New York state," said Michael Kotlikoff, VMD, PhD, the Austin O. Hooey Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, who will speak at the grand opening with Cornell President David Skorton and Patrick Hooker, commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets.

The diagnostic laboratory at Cornell is a key state asset for maintaining the health of animals, protecting the food supply, ensuring public health, and sustaining the economic vitality of several industries, including the dairy industry, that support the state's financial health, Kotlikoff said.

The new facility includes seven biosafety level-three research facilities, which are necessary for clinical, diagnostic, teaching, and research activities that involve pathogenic agents. These facilities include fully outfitted, flexible, specially designed and engineered laboratories