Animal Health Lab To Cease Operation

Centreville laboratory to close after 70 years of service to community

ANNAPOLIS The Maryland Department of Agriculture is closing three of its five animal health laboratories, including one in Centreville, which has had a state animal health lab for 70 years.

The animal health labs in Oakland and College Park also will close, while the labs in Salisbury and Frederick will remain open. An Aug. 26 news release from MDA said ongoing budget shortfalls and a long-term evaluation of its services led to the agency's decision to consolidate its animal health field and lab services. The Frederick facility will specialize in livestock diagnostics and the Salisbury facility will continue to focus on poultry work. MDA will start phasing out the Centreville, College Park and Oakland labs on Sept. 8, and all three facilities will be closed by Oct. 1.

Source