University of Nebraska-Lincoln veterinary diagnostic center set to open in 2017

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) recently broke ground on its new Veterinary Diagnostic Center. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI) contributed support for the state-of-the-art facility that will provide improved service to livestock producers and veterinarians throughout the region and the country. It is expected to open by the end of 2017.


From left to right: Mike Foley, Lt. Governor, Nebraska, Hank Bounds, president, University of Nebraska, Harvey Perlman, chancellor, University of Nebraska-Lincoln,
Ronnie Green, Harlan vice chancellor of Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, UNL
Brian Hastings, president and CEO, University of Nebraska Foundation, Melissa Girard-Lemmons, DVM, Grand Island, Alan Doster, DVM, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Virgil Heyer, DVM, Ainsworth, Ben Siegfried, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. sales representative, Dan Wolfe, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. sales representative

The new center was part of the University of Nebraska's Building a Healthier Nebraska Initiative. In 2012, the Nebraska Unicameral approved legislation to build a new center. Total cost of the project is $44.7 million, of which $4.1 million is funded with private donations.

"We are very grateful for the investment Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. is making to support a new, state-of-the-art veterinary diagnostic center, which will provide improved service to livestock producers and veterinarians throughout the region and the country," said Ronnie Green, University of Nebraska vice president of agriculture and natural resources. "This partnership helps to bring attention to this high-priority fundraising initiative and the opportunity to be involved. We're also very pleased to be the primary beef diagnostic lab partner with BIVI.

Dr. Scott King, marketing director for the U.S. Cattle Business Segment at BIVI said, "We care deeply about our customers and the health of their livestock, and we're proud to invest in the new veterinary diagnostic center. This investment will help ensure we are able to provide a high level of service to livestock producers and veterinarians."

Local and state representatives, as well as public and private donors were on hand for the groundbreaking ceremony, including BIVI Nebraska sales representatives Dan Wolfe of Raymond and Ben Siegfried of McCook.


Nebraska BIVI sales representatives Dan Wolfe of Raymond and Ben Siegfried of McCook visit with Nebraska Department of Agriculture Director Greg Ibach. The Department of Agriculture oversees the state veterinarian's office, which is responsible for monitoring the health of livestock herds. Ibach said the center is an invaluable partner to producers in the state.

BIVI's support helps replace an aging facility that no longer meets modern laboratory standards. The new facility will provide testing services and hands-on training for large animal veterinarians. It is considered a national center of excellence for testing of livestock diseases, and the work done at the center impacts agriculture and public health across the country.


University of Nebraska Chancellor Harvey Perlman addresses local and state representatives as well as public and private donors. The reception followed the groundbreaking ceremony, which was held at the future site of the new Veterinary Diagnostic Center on UNL's East Campus.

For more information on BIVI: www.bi-vetmedica.com

For more information about the Center: http://vbms.unl.edu/nvdls
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5.20.2015