State Institute for Animal Diseases gets new lab complex, toxin residue analysis unit

Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development J. Chinchu Rani will inaugurate a new Toxicology Laboratory Complex and Toxin Residue Analysis Unit set up using funds from the Rebuild Kerala Initiative (RKI) under the Kerala Chicken Project, at the State Institute for Animal Diseases (SIAD), Palode, on Wednesday.

D.K. Murali, Vamanapuram MLA, will preside over the function.

The Toxicology Division of SIAD, the state-level referral laboratory of the Animal Husbandry department, is responsible for testing animal deaths caused by poisoning and identifying mycotoxins present in animal feed. The new laboratory complex has been readied using ₹4.5 crore.

“This significant infrastructure upgrade includes a subdivision named the ‘Toxin Residue Analytical Laboratory,’ funded by the Rebuild Kerala Initiative (RKI) as part of the Kerala Chicken Project. This laboratory features enhanced facilities to conduct pesticide and antibiotic residue testing in food of animal origin and strengthens Kerala’s commitment to food safety and animal health,” said a press release.