UMaine Extension disease, tick ID lab funds approved by system, BDN reports
The Bangor Daily News reported The University of Maine System Board of Trustees approved spending up to $9 million for the future Cooperative Extension Diagnostic and Research Center. The laboratory will help scientists study pest management and threats to human and animal health across the state, according to the article. It will be the only facility in the state able to identify ticks and test them for transmittable diseases, including Lyme. The lab also will be the base of research in the state for agricultural issues — from potato blight to salmonella in eggs to livestock diseases, the article states. “This is very important to the state of Maine,” said John Rebar, executive director of UMaine Extension. The lab, where about 20 scientists will work, is expected to be finished in 2016, Rebar said.