Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) Fact Sheet

Since 1954, the Plum Island Animal Disease Center (PIADC) has served as the front line of the nation’s defense against diseases that could devastate markets for livestock, meat, milk, and other animal products. PIADC is the only laboratory in the nation that can conduct initial diagnostic testing for foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) provides this service and develops novel diagnostic tools. In addition, APHIS conducts training for federal and state veterinarians who serve as the first responders in a potential outbreak of a foreign animal disease (FAD). The USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) conducts research on high-consequence FADs at PIADC and develops diagnostic tools, vaccines, and other means for preventing FADs. The Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate takes vaccines developed by ARS, academia, and industry through the regulatory process to develop and license new vaccines and diagnostics for high-threat FADs.