New laboratory for Aviagen

Leading broiler breeder Aviagen has completed the construction of a new, cutting-edge veterinary laboratory near its UK headquarters in Edinburgh.

An expansion of the existing lab, the new extension enables Aviagen to continue to pursue new technological advancements in serology, virology and bacteriology.

The facilities also provide Aviagen’s newly-created Molecular Department with the necessary infrastructure to perform its molecular diagnostic work, while allowing the whole team to handle an increase in workload stemming from the company’s European business expansion.

“In the last four years we have more than doubled the number of production bases we have in Europe and the demands on our infrastructure have grown accordingly,” said general manager Graeme Dear.

“Having already recruited more lab specialists, we will process more samples, diagnose more test results, handle more complex molecular diagnostics and train more people through our laboratory than ever before.”

Bill Stanley, Aviagen’s veterinary health director for Europe, commented: “The completion of this new facility is further evidence of Aviagen’s commitment to developing cutting-edge technical solutions to issues facing the poultry industry.”

The official opening of the new facility took place on 20 May and was attended by members of the Scottish Executive, UK veterinary consultants, Aviagen employees and suppliers involved in the building process.