Role of the Animal Health & Diagnostic Commission and PADLS in PA Agriculture: Fast Facts

By Gueorgui Tochev , Budget Analyst | 4 years ago
Agriculture Analyst: Gueorgui Tochev, Budget Analyst

The Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health & Diagnostic Commission is an integral part of Pennsylvania's agriculture industry. Created by Act 148 of 1988, the commission provides a combined approach to diagnosing and investigating disease in farm animals. Act 148 established a dedicated funding source and a panel of agricultural experts that were tasked with developing methods and steps to deal with disease outbreaks. Key animal health, research, and diagnostic programs are coordinated through the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS). 

PADLS is comprised of three facilities: the State Veterinary Laboratory, Penn State Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, and the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. The system delivers rapid and precise veterinary diagnostic services to protect animal and human health, and the safety of the commonwealth’s food supply.

Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission Members
1	Sec of Dept. of Agriculture
1	Sec of Dept. of Health
4	Chair / Minority Chair of House/Senate Agriculture Committee
3	Governor Appointed Veterinarians
6	Governor Appointed Active Farmers
15	Total Members

 

Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System

PADLS

Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory

Penn State - Animal Diagnostic Laboratory

University of Penn - New Bolton Center Laboratory

Prior to 2012/13, the General Fund supported the Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission. Between 2013/14 and 2018/19, the commission received appropriations from the Race Horse Development Fund. In 2019/20, additional General Fund support returned to the commission to complement continued appropriations from the Race Horse Development Fund.

University of Pennsylvania – School of Veterinary Medicine

The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine supports Pennsylvania agriculture in important ways. Penn Vet educates the majority of practicing veterinarians in the commonwealth and delivers research and medical solutions to the industry. Founded in 1884, the School of Veterinary Medicine is the only veterinary institution in the commonwealth.

The School of Veterinary Medicine and Center for Infectious Disease receive annual state appropriations. Dedicated funding for Penn Vet helps assure the continuation of its educational significance as well as support for the crucial role it plays within the agricultural industry.

University of Pennsylvania - Veterinary Activities / Center for Infectious Disease General Fund Appropriations
(amounts in thousands)
Appropriation	2012/13	2013/14	2014/15	2015/16	2016/17	2017/18	2018/19	2019/20
University of Penn - Veterinary Activities	$ 27,889	$  28,000	$ 28,000	$ 29,400	$ 30,135	$  30,135	$ 31,039	$  31,660
University of Penn - Center for Infectious Disease	$      248	$       261	$      261	$      274	$      281	$       281	$      289	$       295
Total	$ 28,137	$  28,261	$ 28,261	$ 29,674	$ 30,416	$  30,416	$ 31,328	$  31,955

Pennsylvania State University – College of Agricultural Sciences

The Pennsylvania State University is deeply rooted in the agricultural community through its College of Agricultural Sciences, Penn State Extension offices, and its animal diagnostic laboratory. As part of PADLS, the animal diagnostic lab provides disease control and health management of livestock, poultry, fish, and wildlife. The university’s agricultural role is directly supported by annual state appropriations.

 

Pennsylvania State University Dept. of Agriculture Appropriation
(amounts in thousands)
General Fund	2012/13	2013/14	2014/15	2015/16	2016/17	2017/18	2018/19	2019/20
Transfer to Agricultural College Land Scrip Fund	$  44,737	$  46,237	$  46,237	$  50,549	$  51,813	$  52,313	$  53,882	$  54,960
Total				$275,365	$282,249	$282,749	$291,231	$297,056

Setting Sights on Biosecurity

Biosecurity efforts to protect Pennsylvanians from infectious diseases and reduce the risk of invasive species that harm crops and livestock are critical to the Department of Agriculture, the Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission and their partners in PADLS. The General Assembly’s focus on biosecurity is evident with the adoption of the PA Farm Bill package as part of the current budget. The following table highlights past and current budgetary efforts on biosecurity within agriculture:

General Fund Agricultural Biosecurity Funding
(amounts in thousands)
Appropriation	2016/17	2017/18	2018/19	2019/20
Avian Flu	$2,000	$-	$-	$-
Spoted Lanternfly Control	$-	$-	$3,000	$-
Agricultural Preparedness & Response	$-	$-	$-	$4,000
Livestock and Consumer Health Protection	$-	$-	$-	$1,000
Total	$2,000	$-	$3,000	$5,000

 

The commonwealth’s continued support of the Animal Health & Diagnostic Commission, Pennsylvania’s Veterinary Lab, Penn Vet/Center for Infectious Disease, and Pennsylvania State University helps ensure Pennsylvania’s agricultural prosperity and success of its biosecurity mission.