New Bolton Center PADLS

Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS) is a tripartite system which joins together the University of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, and the Pennsylvania State University, and is dedicated to the health, safety and welfare of families here and abroad.

PADLS was established by the Pennsylvania Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission (AHDC) in 1991 in order to provide rapid and accurate diagnostic assistance to veterinarians involved with food-fiber animals, equine, aquaculture, and wildlife.

What We Do

PADLS exists for the purpose of protecting animals and humans from health threats by providing accurate diagnoses to assist Pennsylvania’s agricultural community in controlling diseases to minimize economic loss.

Our Objectives

In an effort to identify and prevent disease problems, we seek to accomplish the following objectives:

Provide an early warning for impending epizootics and rapid accurate identification of infectious disease.
Identify infectious and contagious diseases as quickly as possible by providing accurate diagnostic tests.
Identify chemicals and contaminants that threaten animal and human health, and agriculture.
Assist in the diagnosis of nutritional and metabolic problems.
Perform testing necessary to support federal and state regulatory programs.
Perform testing necessary for the export of animals and animal byproducts.

Statewide PADLS

The three laboratories in PADLS include:

New Bolton Center Laboratory, affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Kennett Square
The Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory, a division of the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services in Harrisburg
The Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, affiliated with Pennsylvania State University in University Park

The partnership of the university laboratories in the PADLS mission provides a unique opportunity to integrate research and teaching.

Sections and Offices

The combined resources and technical expertise of leading scientists at PADLS laboratories provide state-of-the-art diagnostic technology. This technology supports veterinarians’ efforts to advance animal and public health initiatives, and support producers in assuring a safe, secure, and abundant food supply.

Learn more about PADLS sections and offices