Startling Evidence
What the experts are saying
Quotes:
“[Rural vets are the] first line of defense against a foreign disease. The ‘family vet’ would be the first to notice a problem and call us.”
“[Rural vets are the] first line of defense against a foreign disease. The ‘family vet’ would be the first to notice a problem and call us.”
Holly Poremski, DVM
Texas Animal Health Commission
Texas Animal Health Commission
"I am worried that someone would bring in a virus that would be devastating to our livestock and we will not even recognize it until it has spread all over the country. I am worried that there will not be enough qualified vets to do inspections at food processing and slaughter plants and at import facilities.”
Suzanne Burnham, DVM
Texas Department of State Health Services
Texas Department of State Health Services
“Food animal vets and vets employed by industry or the government play a crucial role in assuring a safe and wholesome food supply for all of us.”
Holly Poremski, DVM
Texas Animal Health Commission
Texas Animal Health Commission
“Judging by their thinning ranks, the mental, emotional, physical and financial toll of their jobs is wearing them out—and scaring off many younger veterinarians who prefer the more comfortable and predictable lifestyle of the city. Typically saddled with enormous debt upon college graduation, often more than $100,000, they’re heading to urban areas for higher salaries and better hours.”
Wes Ferguson and Camille Wheeler
Texas Co-op Power Magazine, January 2011
Texas Co-op Power Magazine, January 2011
Articles
- "Rural veterinary shortage caused by retention issues, not attraction", DVM 360, April 2010
- "Emergency Call", Texas Co-op Power Magazine, January 2011
- "More Food Safety Veterinarians Needed", Keep Our Food Safe (AVMA), July 2008
- "Veterinarians warn Congress about dangers of veterinary shortage", Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, March 2008
- "Vet shortage threatens food system", USA Today, February 2008
AVMA map of U.S. shortages
