Travel to any rural community and you’ll hear the same thing: “We don’t have a vet anymore.” “Our vet is too busy to see our animals.” “Our vet is getting older and can’t do as much as they used to.” In the very places where most of our nation’s food is produced, a veterinary crisis is and has been unfolding. This shortage doesn’t just affect farmers, it impacts food safety, animal welfare, and ultimately, every consumer in America. Veterinarians in rural areas do far more than care for animals. They stand at the critical intersection of animal health, human health, and food security, a concept known as “One Health.” They ensure that livestock are treated humanely, that medications and vaccinations are administered properly, and that diseases are detected early, before they can spread across herds or even to humans. So, what happens when there are no vets in these communities? Producers do what they’ve always done: they get resourceful. They pull together their knowledge and try to manage animal health issues themselves. But this approach, while well-intentioned, can lead to unintended consequences: incorrect treatments, delayed diagnoses, and, in the worst cases, unnecessary animal suffering or death. Even when a veterinarian does move to the area, they may not get the calls they expect. Producers, accustomed to managing on their own, may not see the need until it’s too late. Over time, this erodes the veterinarian-client relationship, making it even harder to reestablish consistent veterinary care. In today’s climate, where animal agriculture is increasingly scrutinized, cutting corners on care or skipping veterinary input isn’t just risky, it’s unacceptable to the consumer. Companies and consumers demand transparency and adherence to welfare standards. When livestock don’t receive proper medical care, it puts the entire supply chain at risk. To address this issue, several programs have emerged. Scholarships from the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP), the USDA’s Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP), and state-level efforts like Arizona’s Veterinary Loan Assistance Program all aim to incentivize veterinarians to serve rural and agricultural communities.
VETCAT INSIDER
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