TIFTON — A bipartisan government funding package that was recently approved included $1 million for upgrades to the University of Georgia’s Tifton Campus Veterinary Diagnostic and Investigational Laboratory.

U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff announced the funding in a press release that shared credit with Sen. Raphael Warnock and Rep. David Scott of Georgia’s 13th Congressional District.

Ossoff said the funding will upgrade the lab’s infrastructure and equipment, the latter of which is currently bordering on 30 years old, thereby allowing the facility and its researchers to better identify and address outbreaks of animal and human diseases and protect the state’s agricultural industries.

“The timing couldn’t be more perfect for the Tifton Lab, as this funding will address critical infrastructure needs, upgrade outdated laboratory equipment, and integrate cutting-edge diagnostic technology,” said Dr. Jesse Hostetter, executive director of UGA Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratories in Tifton and Athens. “With this support, the Tifton Lab is poised to enhance its capacity to serve animal health, agriculture, and public health needs in South Georgia.”