Willmar, MN- Representative Dave Baker, R-Willmar, attended today’s grand opening of the newly renovated Minnesota Poultry Testing Lab in Willmar. The lab, which recently underwent an $8.5 million renovation, is a collaboration between the University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the Minnesota Board of Animal Health and was built to help prevent future epidemics affecting livestock.
The $8.5 million, state appropriation needed to expand the 20-year-old space from a 3,665 square-foot building to an 11,900 square-foot one, was authored by State Representative Dave Baker.
“As a freshman legislator, I have seen how things come together when a common purpose is clearly defined. This project is a direct reflection of that,” said Rep. Baker. “It was an honor working with Governor Dayton, Senator Koenen, and House Agriculture Chair Hamilton to make this facility a reality. The most effective leaders are those that humbly serve their communities. They lead knowing what is really best for Minnesota. I am proud to have been a part of a leadership team that reflected those values and I look forward to our continued work to make Minnesota an even better place.”
According to information from the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, the laboratory will perform all of the required disease testing for the state’s poultry industry and conduct full-range poultry testing for salmonella, influenza, mycoplasma, and other poultry diseases.
Also in attendance at Thursday’s event was Governor Mark Dayton.
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