On Oct. 4, 2022, the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS), Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory, opened its new research facility at the U.S. National Poultry Research Center in Athens, Georgia.

The new research facility will increase the Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory staff’s capabilities to respond to highly pathogenic avian influenza outbreaks as they provide research information for eradication and control, as well as data for control of Newcastle disease, reoviruses, infectious bursal disease, Marek’s disease, and other exotic and emerging viruses of poultry and other birds.

The Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory is a key part of the U.S. National Poultry Research Center and a crucial asset to addressing poultry viral diseases at the state, national, and international levels.

The laboratory has been at the forefront of developing the molecular test used in the United States and globally to diagnose avian influenza and Newcastle disease, developing vaccines for emergency use and commercial application, tracking the virus movement and spread, and understanding how to break the transmission cycle.

“When pathogens and diseases threaten the health of poultry, animal health experts in government and industry know that Southeast Poultry Research Laboratory researchers have the knowledge and expertise to quickly find answers and develop solutions,” said Dr. Simon Liu, acting ARS administrator.