South Dakota State University Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory is one of fewer than 40 veterinary diagnostic laboratories accredited by the American Association of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (AAVLD). This building built in 1993 houses the Veterinary & Biomedical Sciences Department. In addition, the lab is an integral member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), a network of diagnostic laboratories across the US that help detect nationally significant animal diseases such as influenza and Foot & Mouth Disease. Expertise in detecting agents of food-borne illness is important in the ADRDL's role as a regional laboratory for the Food Emergency Response Network (FERN). The laboratory serves as the front line of defense in protecting South Dakota's $7.3 billion livestock industry against diseases and provide important diagnostic information for the state's wildlife and companion animals. The lab promotes human health in dealing with food safety issues and zoonotic diseases; and animal health, by detecting diseases and finding methods to control them.
