Source: KNOE News 8
Rural areas in Louisiana, including Ouachita Parish, are facing a severe shortage of mixed-animal veterinarians, limiting access to essential livestock care. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine Dean Oliver Garden says the shortage is especially acute in rural communities, where veterinarian numbers fall below national averages. The lack of farm veterinarians threatens local economies, as livestock health is directly tied to food safety and agricultural productivity.
Louisiana Tech’s Adam Handy emphasized that veterinarians play a frontline role in protecting food supplies. A major factor driving the shortage is pay disparity: more graduates are choosing companion animal practice, where salaries are higher and demand has grown as pet ownership rises. This shift leaves gaps in food animal, equine, public health and zoonotic disease sectors. To address the issue, LSU has launched summer pathway programs targeting rural high school students, exposing them early to veterinary careers and building partnerships to expand access to Veterinary education.
Read the full story HERE: https://www.knoe.com/2026/02/10/louisiana-faces-critical-shortage-farm-veterinarians-rural-areas/