Mississippi State to open 'world’s largest' laminitis research center in 2027

Mississippi State University (MSU) is building what it says will be the world’s largest research center dedicated to laminitis, a painful hoof disease in horses.¹ The Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Center is under construction at the university’s College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM) in Starkville, alongside a $50 million state-funded expansion of the college’s teaching hospitals.^2-4

MSU broke ground on the facility in November 2025 and expects to open the 12,500-sq-ft building in fall 2027. Plans include a multi-investigator laboratory, clinical research and farrier space, positron emission tomography (PET) and computed tomography (CT) scanners, and an adjacent 24-stall equine research barn.⁴

The new center is being funded by a gift from Nancy Link, who has a longstanding relationship with MSU. The funds will cover construction, operation, equipment, faculty salaries, and maintenance.⁴

According to MSU, laminitis is the second most common cause of equine euthanasia.⁵

“[W]e’re looking at how better to prevent [laminitis], and how better to treat that condition, which is extremely painful and can be quite debilitating in horses,” Heath King, DVM, director of MSU’s Animal Health Center, told WCBI.²

Lawmakers fund upgrades to 1970s-era teaching hospitals

The $50 million expansion of the CVM’s teaching hospitals begins with a new farm animal hospital and outpatient cattle handling facility, both scheduled to open in 2027, and will also upgrade the college’s equine and small animal hospitals.^2,3,6

The college’s existing teaching hospitals were built in the 1970s, according to MSU.⁷ State lawmakers approved the money in 2 rounds, which includes $18 million in 2024 for the cattle handling facility, an inpatient farm animal hospital, and a new Center for Rural Veterinary Practice, and $32 million in 2026 for upgrades to the equine and small animal hospitals.^3,7 The 2024 money paid for the first 2 phases of the college’s 4-phase facilities plan, according to CVM Dean Nicholas Frank, DVM, PhD, DACVIM.⁷ The Center for Rural Veterinary Practice aims to increase the number of veterinarians in rural areas through student recruitment, advising, teaching, and postgraduate coaching, including business and financial coaching for students and veterinarians starting or buying into a practice.⁷

According to MSU, the cattle handling facility will include a drive-through loading and unloading area and new cattle handling and restraint systems, and the inpatient hospital will improve safety and biosecurity while allowing a larger farm animal caseload.⁷

Equine entrance relocated, evaluation area added

King told WCBI that the new farm animal hospital’s location required moving the equine entrance and that an evaluation area is being installed beside it.² MSU has said the renovated equine hospital will offer 24/7 emergency care, new operating rooms and stalls, and space dedicated to evaluating lameness.³

Small animal hospital plans include larger emergency room and intensive care unit

Work on the small animal hospital is in early stages.² Current plans call for expanding the emergency room and intensive care unit and moving specialty services such as oncology and dermatology closer to patient waiting areas. The construction also includes new private consultation rooms.² MSU has said the small animal project will add client consulting rooms and expand its Community Veterinary Services unit, giving students more exposure to common diseases and wellness care in general practice.³

References

1. Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Center. Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Accessed November 3, 2026. https://www.vetmed.msstate.edu/nfllrc
2. Roberts C. Mississippi State continues work towards expanding veterinary school. WCBI. October 26, 2026. Accessed November 3, 2026. https://www.wcbi.com/mississippi-state-continues-work-towards-expanding-veterinary-school/
3. Keenum thanks lawmakers, College Board for additional MSU program investments during 2026 legislative session. News release. Mississippi State University. April 27, 2026. Accessed November 3, 2026. https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2026/04/keenum-thanks-lawmakers-college-board-additional-msu-program-investments
4. Mississippi State breaks ground for Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Center to combat disease in pleasure and work horses. News release. Mississippi State University. November 12, 2025. Accessed November 3, 2026. https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2025/11/mississippi-state-breaks-ground-nancy-fair-link-laminitis-research-center
5. Leonard W. Bertin, inaugural director of the Nancy Fair Link Laminitis Research Center, gets underway. Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. February 23, 2026. Accessed November 3, 2026. https://www.vetmed.msstate.edu/news/2026/02/bertin-inaugural-director-nancy-fair-link-laminitis-research-center-gets-underway
6. VetMed at work. Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine. Accessed November 3, 2026. https://www.vetmed.msstate.edu/vetmed-work
7. College of Veterinary Medicine at MSU expands clinical facilities, establishes Center for Rural Veterinary Practice. News release. Mississippi State University. November 26, 2024. Accessed November 3, 2026. https://www.msstate.edu/newsroom/article/2024/11/college-veterinary-medicine-msu-expands-clinical-facilities-establishes