Manhattan ? The Kansas Bioscience Authority will work with state and national groups to establish a public-private animal health consortium.

The KBA said it will spend $1 million in seed money to create the National Center of Animal Health Innovation.

The Manhattan Mercury reported Wednesday that Kansas State University and the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility will be part of the group. It will also include animal health companies, other regional universities and national government agencies.

KBA president and CEO Tom Thornton said the project is designed to make Kansas the nation’s hub for animal health and animal disease research and product development.

During the first year, the center will recruit a CEO, scientific advisers and board members, who will develop a strategic plan for the organization.