The Maryland Department of Agriculture said in a release issued August 26 that it was closing three of its five animal health laboratories. Laboratories in Centreville, Oakland and College Park will close, while facilities in Salisbury and Frederick will remain open. The Frederick facility will specialize in livestock diagnostics, and the Salisbury facility will continue to focus on poultry. The three facilities being phased out are expected to close by October 1. The department cited budget shortfalls and an evaluation of department services for the decision.