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Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Department broke ground in mid-January 2003 on a biosafety lab that will enable the department to test for and detect potential bio-terrorist materials to protect both state residents and their food supply.

The 1,650-sf lab is a Level 3 Biosafety Laboratory (BSL-3)--the only animal-testing facility of its kind in Florida. It is being constructed at the department's existing complex in Kissimmee and will expand the department's ability to diagnose foreign animal diseases--including foot-and-mouth disease, exotic Newcastle disease, classic swine fever and others--whether introduced intentionallly or accidentally.

The department's Food Laboratory in Tallahassee will also be upgraded to a BSL-3 lab to better protect the safety of Florida's food supply.