A new era in Kansas animal health

A new Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory facility at Kansas State University will strengthen the state's ability to detect animal diseases, protect livestock and support an industry that generates billions of dollars for Kansas. With the support of a $128 million investment from the Kansas Legislature, state and university leaders broke ground on the facility Oct. 9 on the Manhattan campus.

More than 200 guests, including state and federal leaders, agricultural partners, and veterinary professionals, attended the ceremony on the Manhattan campus. Speakers included K-State President Richard Linton; Annette O'Connor, Hodes Family Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine; KVDL Director Jamie Retallick; U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran; U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann; Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins; and Matt Teagarden, chief executive officer of the Kansas Livestock Association.

"This facility represents an investment in the future of veterinary medicine," O'Connor said. "In addition to strengthening diagnostic services for Kansas and beyond, the new laboratory will provide students with exceptional opportunities to learn alongside leading diagnosticians, pathologists and researchers. By integrating advanced diagnostic capabilities with education and discovery, this facility will help prepare the next generation of veterinarians and scientists to address the evolving animal health challenges of the future."

A long-needed home for a critical animal health protection

The Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, or KVDL, is the only state-run animal disease laboratory in Kansas. It provides testing for disease detection, surveillance and outbreak response for veterinarians, producers and public agencies in all 50 states and 52 countries. The lab generates an estimated $2.5 billion in annual economic impact for the state.

The new facility will bring the laboratory's testing, processing, and reporting under one roof, improving the KVDL's efficiency and biosecurity. It will increase sample-processing capacity, add office and work space and help the lab recruit and retain top faculty and staff.

It will also serve as a teaching site: KVDL faculty teach in the College of Veterinary Medicine's professional and graduate programs, and fourth-year veterinary students rotate through the lab for their diagnostic medicine clinical rotation.

"Locating the new KVDL facility within the animal health corridor will enhance services for its diverse clientele while strengthening protection against zoonotic diseases that pose significant public health risks," Retallick said. "This new facility will foster collaboration among industry leaders, researchers, producers, veterinarians and students, while also providing opportunities for innovation, partnership, and an outstanding environment for training the next generation of diagnostic and animal health professionals. Together, these investments strengthen our ability to address evolving animal health challenges and advance the profession."

New KVDL facility is $128 million investment from State of Kansas

The Kansas Legislature appropriated $128 million for the project in April 2025. A private donor has given $2 million, and KVDL has committed $5 million, bringing the funding secured to date to $135 million.

"Kansas is one of the nation's leading livestock states, and the success of our producers depends on access to timely, accurate animal health information," Teagarden said. "This new Kansas Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory is a critical investment in the veterinarians and producers who work every day to protect animal health and strengthen our state's economy.

"Beyond providing test results, the laboratory delivers the expertise needed to help producers make informed decisions and respond to animal health challenges," Teagarden continued. "This groundbreaking marks an investment in the future of Kansas agriculture and the long-term success of our livestock industry."

The facility will also strengthen Kansas' role in national animal health preparedness as a laboratory in the National Animal Health Laboratory Network, the national network of accredited government and university labs that supports detection of and response to foreign and emerging animal diseases.