The VDL is an integral component of Iowa's animal agriculture infrastructure. As one of the 12 core labs for the National Animal Health Laboratory Network and the only one in the Midwest, the VDL is a vital resource in response to emerging diseases such as last year's outbreak of Avian Influenza with nearly 32 million birds affected and a $1.2 billion economic hit to the state. The VDL was at the forefront during the outbreak which required the lab to run multiple shifts seven days per week to assure timely testing. The timely, comprehensive, and high-quality diagnosis of diseases is critical to serving the state's $17 billion animal agriculture industry, and ensuring the world's food supply is plentiful and safe.