Boise, Idaho – The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) has announced that its Animal Health Laboratory (AHL) is now a member of the National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN). This makes it the first laboratory in Idaho to achieve this status.
The AHL was accepted into the NAHLN after passing an audit by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in June 2025. This comes after years of preparation and the opening of a new facility in 2023. The designation enhances Idaho’s animal disease diagnostic capabilities and underscores the state’s dedication to safeguarding animal health and agriculture.
“Being part of the NAHLN is a major step forward for Idaho,” said ISDA Director Chanel Tewalt. “It reflects our commitment to providing essential animal health services right here at home, because no one cares more about Idaho agriculture than Idaho. This designation means faster answers for producers, efficient responses to disease outbreaks, and a stronger, more secure future for our agricultural industry backed by in-state expertise.”
The NAHLN is a coordinated network of 60 federal, state, and university-affiliated laboratories. These labs are crucial for early detection testing, rapid response, and recovery from significant animal diseases. They play an essential role in disease surveillance, outbreak response, and protecting the nation’s food supply and public health.
With its new certification, ISDA’s Animal Health Laboratory can now conduct avian influenza testing on poultry and milk samples collected within Idaho. Previously, these samples were sent out-of-state, which often delayed test results and response times.
ISDA intends to expand its authorized testing under NAHLN to include other high-consequence animal diseases soon. As a member of NAHLN, the laboratory will also be eligible for increased federal funding to support its operations and development.
ISDA will host a media tour of the Animal Health Laboratory on Tuesday, July 29 at 1:00 p.m., inviting media representatives to meet with lab staff and learn more about its capabilities. For attendance confirmation, contact Sydney Kennedy at media@isda.idaho.gov or (208) 986-1566.
For further details on ISDA’s Animal Health Laboratory, visit agri.idaho.gov/laboratories/animal-health-laboratory/
