MADISON, Wisc. – The University of Wisconsin in Madison is in the running to host construction of a high-tech research laboratory operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of Homeland Security.
The lab, which will replace the aging Animal Disease Center in Plum Island, N.Y., would be engaged in researching animal diseases and how they could possibly harm the nation’s agricultural sector. Scientists will work to develop vaccines and other defenses against possible outbreaks. Among the diseases studied will be bird flu, anthrax, SARS and other pathogens communicable between people and animals.
If the university wins out against 14 other contenders, it will build the lab at Kegonsa Research Campus in the town of Dunn. The lab is expected to be operational by 2013 and will employ approximately 400 people.
