Ground breaking ceremonies are scheduled to take place soon in Manhattan, Kansas for the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF). The Kansas State University location was selected after an extensive three-year site selection process that concluded that being located adjacent to the existing Biosecurity Research Institute and in proximity to a major hub of the veterinary pharmaceutical industry were unbeatable factors in the decision-making process.

NBAF has been developed as a state-of-the-art biocontainment facility for the study of diseases transmitted from foreign animals and from animals to humans and to develop vaccines and other countermeasures including training of veterinarians in preparedness and response against these diseases. The facility replaces the Plum Island Animal Disease Center that has operated in this capacity for 50 years and no longer meets requirements identified in Homeland Security Presidential Directive 9. NBAF's new and expanded capabilities will include containment for the study of high consequence diseases affecting large livestock.

In a letter to the editor U.S. Senator Pat Roberts (R-KS) said:

"It took a huge team effort, but we have earned opportunities to keep our states best and brightest working here at home, raising their families and realizing a vibrant future. We have gained opportunities for Kansas to lead the nation in cutting edge research. And we have created opportunities for us to protect our food supply, our economy and our rural way of life....."

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