Source: Iowa Select Farms
Like bacon and eggs? Iowa State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory plays a behind-the-scenes role in your daily life. “We help ensure the safety and security of our food supply while protecting animal and human health,” says Rodger Main, DVM, PhD, VDL director of Operations at ISU’s College of Veterinary Medicine in Ames. “The lab plays a critical role in sustaining Iowa’s local, national and global food economy.”

It’s no accident that Iowa’s food supply is unmatched for availability, quality, reliability and safety. The full-service, fully accredited VDL has trained the next generation of veterinarians and scientists since the 1940s. The VDL has expanded multiple times since its groundbreaking in 1976. The workforce has similarly expanded, from 15 employees in 1976 to 125 employees and 25 faculty members today.

The facilities have adapted to meet soaring veterinary demand, and today the VDL features state-of-the-art technologies. The VDL receives approximately 85,000 cases each year, which result in more than 1.25 million diagnostic tests. “We handle the largest number of food-animal diagnostic cases in the nation,” says Main, who notes that nearly 75% of the cases involve swine.

The process starts when a local veterinarian submits a case to the VDL. Mornings are fast-paced, as hundreds of blood and tissue samples arrive via delivery services. On average, the Iowa Select Farms health services team submits 70 cases per week. Based on case history and relevant data, a VDL diagnostician selects tests for each sample. “Tests can range from bacteriology to virology to toxicity,” says Katie Woodward, DVM, who handles client outreach and education at the VDL.

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The goal? Rapidly diagnose animal disease to help veterinarians treat livestock, poultry and pets — a task that is not only important to the health and well-being of the animals, but also to the U.S. and global food supply. “We’re proud to help advance Iowa’s $32.5 billion animal agriculture industry and support its competitiveness in the global marketplace,” Main says.

Adding value to agriculture and Iowa’s economy
The internationally recognized VDL addresses ongoing swine health challenges like the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, as well as emerging diseases like Seneca Valley Virus. While neither virus impacts human health, they can create significant setbacks to Iowa farmers in terms of lost productivity and the overall challenge of caring for sick animals.

“We’re an extension of a farm’s veterinarian,” says Main, who appreciates working with clients like Iowa Select Farms. “VDL results are key in helping us make timely treatment decisions that align with our commitment to judicious antibiotic usage,” says Shamus Brown, DVM and director of multiplication for Iowa Select Farms. “Fast and accurate diagnostics help us provide the best possible care for our animals.”

Main says, “Iowa Select Farms has made significant investments in biosecurity to protect swine health, plus it boosts the economic health of rural communities. Iowa Select Farms is a great example of value-added ag in Iowa, which is in a good place to grow its ability to produce high-quality pork.”