Veterinary diagnostic support is the linchpin of any network of veterinary epidemic intelligence vital to the maintenance and well-being of a modern animal industry. Many diseases have potentially serious consequences for animal and human health. Much of the research work which is done on animal diseases has a correlating effect on human disease research. The General Assembly has determined there is a need to facilitate an integrated approach to the diagnosis and investigation of disease in farm animals. The avian flu virus brought to the General Assembly's attention that there is not a laboratory in Pennsylvania which can deal with this type of virus, and Pennsylvania poultrymen had to send all samples to Ames, Iowa. The General Assembly also finds that it is important that there be diagnostic capabilities in Pennsylvania since this State is one of the top poultry, dairy and animal-producing states in the country. There is no doubt that the research laboratories at The Pennsylvania State University and the University of Pennsylvania teaching facilities are of utmost importance since they correlate to the medical facilities at both of these universities. To facilitate this program, it is important that each diagnostic laboratory be linked together via the Extension Computer Network to facilitate an integrated approach to the diagnosis and investigation of disease in farm animals. It is also the intent of the General Assembly to provide resources and a cadre of specialists to allow planned interventions in disease outbreaks rather than crisis interventions. A predictable funding basis is the only manner in which to achieve these necessary laboratory research and diagnostic capabilities.