LSU renovates its food animal service area

Matt Welborn, professor and alum of LSU, cutting the ribbon with Oliver Garden, BVetMed, PhD, DACVIM DECVIM-CA, dean of LSU Vet Med; along with Mike Strain, DVM, commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry; and other special guests. (Photo courtesy of LSU School of Veterinary Medicine)

The Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Veterinary Medicine (Vet Med) recently unveiled its newly renovated food animal service area, located in the campus' large animal hospital. According to LSU Vet Med, more than 9000 sq ft of space was renovated, and 3875 sq ft were annexed to the building.¹

The renovation began in October 2022 and required a $4.125 million investment. During a July 10, 2024, ceremony celebrating the renovation, Oliver Garden, BVetMed, PhD, DACVIM DECVIM-CA, dean of LSU Vet Med, recalled his time as a student at the school, when the facilities were new, emphasizing that LSU Vet Med represents not just a place but a community dedicated to knowledge and fellowship, according to a news release. After Garden’s remarks, guests were led on a tour of the new facilities, guided by Matt Welborn, professor and alum of LSU; associate professor Clare Scully; and assistant professor David Martinez.

The ceremony also hosted distinguished guests, which included Mike Strain, DVM, commissioner of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture & Forestry, and LSU 1983 alum. Members of the Louisiana legislature also attended.

“At LSU Vet Med, we are committed to advancing veterinary medicine and enhancing animal health. The recent extensive renovations to our food animal hospital reflect our dedication to providing state-of-the-art care for food-producing animals, thereby supporting our strong animal agricultural industry and food security in our state,” Garden said in a news release.¹ “These transformative improvements will not only benefit our patients and clients but enrich the educational experience for our students as we build a pipeline of food animal veterinarians to serve Louisiana and the south-east.

“We are very excited about the opportunities these enhancements bring and look forward to continuing to deliver on our vision of bettering lives through education, public service, and discovery for Louisiana and beyond,” Garden continued.¹

LSU Vet Med is among 33 veterinary schools nationwide and stands as Louisiana's sole institution of its kind. Its Food Animal Health Maintenance group, which is overseen by board-certified veterinary specialists accredited by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in equine practice and food animal practice, sees approximately 4000 animals annually.^1,2

Additionally, these veterinary specialists are supported by technicians, caretakers, office staff, and students to provide extensive, advanced medical, surgical, and reproductive care for individual farm animals in hospital settings. They also provide 24/7 herd health and individualized care for farm animals directly onsite.¹

References

1. LSU Vet Med reveals food animal service area renovation. News release. July 10, 2024. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.
2. Food animal health maintenance. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. Accessed July 12, 2024. https://www.lsu.edu/vetmed/veterinary_hospital/food_animal.php