Source: WCBI
Rural areas often struggle to access Veterinary care, especially for livestock and large animals, creating challenges for agriculture and food production. Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the state’s only vet school, is working to address this shortage with federal support. U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins visited the school to highlight a new action plan and announce $250,000 in USDA grant funding aimed at recruiting and training more rural veterinarians.
Food animal veterinarians currently make up just 5% of the profession, a number that has steadily declined over 40 years. High student debt and the lure of companion animal practice add to the shortage. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith emphasized the need to support agriculture by ensuring access to Veterinary services. The USDA will also launch economic research to strengthen rural Veterinary programs, with the goal of sustaining animal health, supporting farmers, and protecting America’s food supply.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.wcbi.com/msu-receive-grants-to-help-food-animal-veterinarian-shortage/