New Plant and Animal Health Centre to Enhance Food Safety in British Columbia

Strategic Insights -

The Government of Canada is building a new plant and animal health centre to protect British Columbians from diseases such as avian flu. The new centre will be a state-of-the-art facility, replacing the current one that suffered extensive damages during the 2021 floods in Abbotsford. The centre will provide updated testing for farmers and better protect public health, detecting diseases before they reach people and ensuring safer food on tables.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new plant and animal health centre will be the backbone of B.C.'s food safety system, helping farmers and veterinarians quickly detect and respond to animal and plant diseases.
  • The centre handles more than 10,000 cases annually from farmers and organizations, testing for diseases such as avian influenza, West Nile virus, and chronic wasting disease.
  • Staff at the lab conduct, on average, 100,000 tests annually, conducting various diagnostic services including bacteriology, histopathology, molecular diagnostics, and genomics.
  • The new centre will provide crucial testing and support, especially for challenges like blueberry scorch virus, and will be essential for keeping herds healthy, ensuring food safety, and supporting the long-term sustainability of B.C.'s dairy industry.
  • The centre is one of Western Canada's leading full-service veterinary laboratories and plays a key role in the Province's veterinary, diagnostic, and food safety programs that support healthy farms and public health.
  • The new centre will be at 34252 King Rd., next to the University of Fraser Valley's Abbotsford campus, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and enhanced services available to B.C. producers by 2032.
  • The Province has approved up to $496 million to buy the land, build the new facility, and buy equipment.

Statistics:

  • The centre employs over 60 scientists who provide diagnostic services to British Columbians.
  • The centre tests for more than 10,000 cases annually, with staff conducting, on average, 100,000 tests annually.
  • The centre offers fee-for-service diagnostic testing to veterinarians, livestock producers, the public, and other government agencies.
  • The centre provides testing services for various diseases, including avian influenza, West Nile virus, and chronic wasting disease.
  • The centre has a capacity to conduct various diagnostic services, including bacteriology, histopathology, molecular diagnostics, and genomics.

Sources:

  • Government of Canada regional news: https://www.canada.ca/en/government/news/2025/02/plant-and-animal-health-centre-enhance-food-safety-in-british-columbia.html
  • Ministry of Agriculture and Food: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/animals-and-crops/animal-health/animal-health-centre
  • Canadian Food Inspection Agency: https://www.inspection.gc.ca/