Last week, the College of Veterinary Medicine began the first phase in a two-part renovation and expansion of its facilities.

The first phase, a $48 million project mainly funded by bonding authorized by the state Legislature, is estimated to be completed by fall 2008.

It includes renovation of the diagnostic lab and construction of a new large animal facility, which includes the livestock and equine teaching hospital. The second phase will renovate the vacated large animal facility for expansion of a companion animal hospital.

“The diagnostic lab is the only unit in Iowa that’s responsible for diagnosis of animal disease at a referral level,” said Eldon Uhlenhopp, interim associate dean of veterinary diagnostic and production animal medicine. “The need [for this project] is to be in a better position if we were to experience a foreign animal disease in Iowa or an event of agro-terrorism.”

He also said there are many more reasons for the construction of a new animal facility.

“We want the most current diagnostic and treatment capabilities as well as a good working environment for our clinicians and students,” Uhlenhopp said. “We also want a good service environment for our clients and patients.”

Scott Kostohryz, research associate for the veterinary diagnostic laboratory, said the renovations will help in having better technology, which will make it easier to compete with other colleges and improve the national status of the college.

The purpose of the new building is to maintain the college’s reputation as a nationally accredited college of veterinary medicine.

In 2004, the American Veterinary Medical Association placed the college on the status of limited accreditation. This status means the college has deficiencies in one or more standards that affect students’ learning or safety and are able to be corrected in no more than two years, according to the AVMA Web site.

With the new project on its way, the college is hoping to raise Iowa State’s national ranking and return it to a full accreditation status.

The next site visit with the accrediting agency will be in the fall. The agency will again review the plans and the progress toward achieving those goals.

“We have been in close touch with the AVMA for that past year and we feel confident they’ll look favorably on what we’re doing,” Uhlenhopp said. “We’re not certain we’ll get [it], but what we’re working toward is full accreditation as soon as possible.”