Source: Idaho Press
Idaho is among many rural states facing a critical shortage of veterinarians, particularly those serving large animal and agricultural operations. Sixteen Idaho counties are officially designated as Veterinary shortage areas due to population growth, expanding livestock herds, and aging Veterinary workforces. Current staffing cannot meet demand, leaving beef producers, dairy farms, and hobbyists without adequate care. Many clinics are overburdened, have stopped accepting new clients, or focus exclusively on dairy.
To address this, Senators reintroduced the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act (S. 1163), which would make student loan repayments under the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP) tax-exempt—similar to incentives for doctors in underserved areas. This would enhance the program’s effectiveness and attract more veterinarians to underserved rural communities. With nearly half of Idaho’s large animal vets nearing retirement and fewer graduates entering the field, supporters say this legislation is essential for sustaining Idaho’s livestock industry and protecting public health.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.idahopress.com/opinion/guest_opinions/guest-commentary-bill-could-help-reverse-states-veterinarian-shortage/article_b97208c8-9065-45d7-9778-218ffe5ce402.html