Iowa State University celebrated a significant milestone in the advancement of the College of Veterinary Medicine’s long-standing commitment to providing state-of-the-art diagnostic services in support of Iowa’s $32.5 billion animal agriculture industry. On April 4, the university marked the dedication of the first phase of the new Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory and the start of the second phase of the building’s construction project.

“This new facility will further strengthen the VDL as a national leader in advancing animal health, food safety and public health,” said Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen. “The VDL’s world-class expertise and innovative solutions provide essential support for our livestock and poultry producers and benefit all Iowans. We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary investments made by the state, our industry and commodity partners and donors who made this new facility possible.”

Iowa State’s VDL has been a national leader in protecting animal and human health since it was established in 1947. The facility has the largest food animal caseload in the United States while serving the most advanced livestock and poultry producers in the world. The facility annually sees more than 120,000 cases and conducts 1.6 million tests.

“In addition to serving Iowa’s animal agriculture and helping protect the global food supply through world-class diagnostic services, the VDL is also a hub of innovation,” said Dan Grooms, Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine. “What separates Iowa State’s VDL from most others is our advancement around animal diagnostic medicine, whether it is developing a new diagnostic test or discovering a novel pathogen.”

Construction started on the first phase in March 2021. The new facility became operational last month when client services, receiving/accessioning, sample processing, pathology, histopathology, bacteriology and other sections moved into the new building. Construction of Phase 2 is scheduled to begin this spring with a 2026 completion date anticipated. The remaining VDL sections will continue to operate in Patterson Hall until Phase 2 construction is completed and they move to the new facility. The $141.5 million project was made possible through funding from the State of Iowa, federal resources, donors and Iowa State University.