Game Changer for Farmers”: Ohio’s $80M Mega Lab Promises Faster Livestock Testing and Disease Defense
Ohio is going all in on protecting its livestock—and the food supply—with a cutting-edge $80 million veterinary lab that’s set to redefine the state’s animal disease testing capabilities.
Construction is well underway in Reynoldsburg on the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s new Ohio Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, a massive upgrade aimed at tackling an ever-growing need for efficient, high-volume livestock testing.
Animals: The First Line of Defense
According to ODA Director Brian Baldridge, animals aren’t just part of the food chain—they’re the first warning sign when it comes to protecting humans from disease outbreaks.
“Our animals are our first line of defense,” Baldridge emphasized to WSYX. “This lab is critical to catching and stopping diseases before they spread.”
With over 500,000 animal health tests conducted each year, the current facility simply can’t keep up. In some cases, Ohio has been forced to send samples out of state due to capacity issues—something Baldridge says must change.
“We want to provide those services in-house and make sure we can handle that volume for our Ohio farmers,” he said.
High-Tech, High-Security, High-Speed
Deputy Director Jared Parko, who’s helping oversee the construction and lab design, said the facility will be built for efficiency and safety, with biosecurity at the forefront.
“There’s a lot of coordination in how we receive, handle, and process samples,” Parko said. “It’s not just about speed—it’s about keeping any potential pathogens contained while also making sure farmers get fast, accurate results.”
The lab will include modern innovations such as:
A drive-through drop-off for test samples, making it easier for farmers and veterinarians to deliver materials quickly.
A secure necropsy containment zone to safely examine deceased animals.
A tour route that allows visitors, schools, and stakeholders to watch science in action—without compromising safety.
The Countdown Begins
Set to open in late fall of 2026, the new lab is more than a building—it’s a bold investment in Ohio’s agricultural future.
“This is about keeping our food supply safe, supporting our farmers, and ensuring Ohio stays at the forefront of animal health,” said Baldridge.
As biosecurity threats grow and the demand for agricultural transparency intensifies, Ohio’s $80 million bet on this veterinary powerhouse may be just what the doctor—and the farmer—ordered.
📣 Fast Fact: The lab will have the capacity to process millions of samples over time—protecting animals, farmers, and families across the state.
