The Iowa State College of Veterinary Medicine unveiled Phase 1 of its new state-of-the-art diagnostics lab Thursday. Along with the ribbon-cutting ceremony came the groundbreaking of Phase 2.
The event was attended by Gov. Kim Reynolds, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra, President Wendy Wintersteen and others.
Funding for the $141.5 million Veterinary Diagnostic Lab (VDL) project was through the support of various stakeholders, including the State of Iowa, federal resources, donors and Iowa State itself.
Phase 1 was an overall $75 million dollar project, including $63.5 million from the State of Iowa and $11.5 million from donors, including the university. Phase 2 will add 78,500 square feet to the Phase 1 project.
The building provides upgrades to the client services, receiving, sample processing, necropsy, pathology, histopathology, bacteriology and incinerator units.
Dan Grooms, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, highlighted the VDL’s reputation for innovation in animal diagnostic medicine, emphasizing its role in developing new tests and identifying emerging pathogens.
“Hands down, the ISU diagnostics lab is recognized globally as the leader in veterinary diagnostic medicine, especially in the sport of animal agriculture, but also in the sport of companion animal health, wildlife health and public health,” Grooms said.
Wintersteen hailed the VDL’s role in promoting animal health.
“This new facility will further strengthen the VDL as a national leader in advancing animal health, food safety and public health,” Wintersteen said.
With the largest food animal caseload in the United States, the laboratory, which opened in 1947, handles over 120,000 cases and performs 1.6 million tests annually, according to Inside Iowa State.
While the confetti was falling, the groundbreaking for Phase 2 began. Phase 2 will be an overall $66.5 million dollar project. This part of the building includes upgrades to molecular diagnostics, genetic sequencing, virology, serology, analytical chemistry, high biosecurity, diagnostic research and development, information technology and quality assurance and VDL administration.
Rodger Main, director of the VDL, spoke on the overall importance of the VDL.
“At its core, the ISU VDL plays a substantive behind-the-scenes role in safeguarding, and bettering the health, wellbeing and the competitiveness of Iowa and U.S. animal agriculture, ensuring a safe, abundant and affordable food supply for our great state and nation,” Main said.
Construction for Phase 2 is set to finish in fall 2026.
