WEST FARGO -- When Happy, a sweet but oblivious-to-danger 9-year-old mare scraped up her back leg once again, owner Alicia Severson was able to call on Casselton Veterinary Service to visit her Gandin, N.D., farm and patch up Happy.
But when it comes to a recurring ligament injury Happy sustained while competing in a barrel competition, Severson and many other horse and farm animal owners are finding it more difficult every year to find big animal veterinarians, and especially ones that specialize in certain care.
"There is absolutely a shortage," Severson said.
For decades, ranchers have been sounding the alarm about a shortage of rural veterinarians and new big animal vets, especially those who specialize in caring for horses, cows, pigs and sheep. The problem persists despite land grant universities such as North Dakota State University sending undergraduates interested in the profession to far-away schools for continuing education.
According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture , 500 counties across 46 states reported critical shortages of big animal vets. While large animal veterinarians have long been challenging to find in rural areas where they are most needed, veterinarians specializing in horses are also waning. That's despite the increasing popularity and availability in North Dakota and Minnesota for younger generations to compete in equine activities.
Leon Glasser, president of the North Dakota Quarter Horse Racing Association, has been breeding, raising and racing horses for more than 40 years. Over the years, he's watched the number of veterinarians willing to work with horses dwindle quickly.
"Are we short of equine vets in this area? Absolutely, we are," Glasser said.
Most newer veterinarians prefer working on dogs and cats exclusively. Severson agreed it is also difficult finding a veterinarian experienced with goats since they have two goats at their farm along with horses and a cat.
"Nothing takes the place of a seasoned veterinarian," Severson said. "Thankfully, Casselton [Veterinary Service] is fabulous when my horse is injured."
Dr. Alexa Weyer at Casselton Veterinary noted there is definitely a shortage of people interested in large animal practice. She graduated from Auburn University with her doctorate before starting at Casselton Veterinary early 2021.
"We would love to see more interest," Weyer said.
The USDA offers programs like loan repayment up to $75k for graduates working three years minimum in underserved rural communities. However daunting debt averages about $190k over eight years needed becoming veterinarian can still deter candidates despite Congress's recent proposals increasing amounts or mean salaries ranging $85-100k depending specialization type pursued post-graduation efforts made state-level support residents applying assistance available through various channels ensuring future workforce needs met addressing persistent shortages faced today nationwide context ongoing challenges hiring both urban-rural alike due myriad factors influencing decision-making processes involved career path choices undertaken aspiring professionals entering field veterinary medicine broader implications discussed further detail throughout article analysis provided herein comprehensive overview current status quo related issues affecting industry stakeholders concerned parties alike seeking solutions ameliorate situation moving forward collaboratively together united common purpose goal shared vision brighter tomorrow 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