By DOUG GRAVES
Ohio Correspondent

WOOSTER, Ohio — Research on infectious diseases of plants and animals will soon be more streamlined at the Wooster campus of the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center (OARDC) with the construction of its new biosafety level-3 (BSL-3) laboratory.
The Ohio State University (OSU) Board of Trustees approved construction of this Plant and Animal Agrosecurity Research (PAAR) biocontainment facility.

“With this state-of-the-art facility we’ll further contribute to the viability of Ohio’s $90-plus billion agricultural sector, the largest industry in the state,” said OARDC Director Steve Slack. “This facility will allow us to be proactive about diseases of plants and animals rather than being reactive once they occur. And while it may mean employment for only four or five people, it will help thousands.”

In addition to two BSL-3 labs, the PAAR will include four BSL-3 Ag isolation rooms, which are needed to work with large animals such as cows and pigs. PAAR will be the only facility in Ohio and one of only five nationally with the capacity for both plant and animal research at these high safety levels.

“This new laboratory will enhance our nationally and internationally recognized research programs,” Slack said. “With this lab we’ll be proactive in the development of new diagnostic tools, treatments, vaccines or genetically resistant animals and plants to reduce economic losses from diseases and pests.”

Under federal guidelines, all facilities handling potentially infectious agents must adhere to strict procedures to ensure containment of these pathogens. Depending on the ease with which microorganisms can be transmitted, they are classified at BSL-1, BSL-2, BSL-3 or BSL-4, with BSL-4 carrying the highest risk of infection.

OSU operates several BSL-3 labs on its Columbus campus, but this is the first at Wooster. The PAAR facility is expected to significantly boost research on a number of disease organisms and pests capable of causing billions of dollars in losses to crops, trees and livestock. These include emerald ash borer, soybean rust and avian influenza.

PAAR is expected to contribute to advancements in public health, though no human studies will be conducted there. PAAR has a projected cost of $21.7 million, with construction beginning in September. Funding comes from state capital funds, OARDC and federal grants.