Veterinarians Storm Congress for Groundbreaking Animal Health Bill
In an unprecedented move, over 140 veterinary professionals will converge on Capitol Hill for the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) annual legislative fly-in on February 6th. Their mission? To rally congressional support for two critical pieces of legislation: the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act and the Healthy Dog Importation Act.
The urgency behind their advocacy is clear: to increase the availability of veterinary services in rural and underserved areas and to bolster defenses against diseases threatening both animal and public health. These discussions with senators, representatives, and their staff will highlight the profound impact of these bills on the nation's animal health infrastructure.
Rena Carlson, DVM, and AVMA president, emphasized the importance of these initiatives. "Attracting and retaining veterinarians in rural areas is crucial, and the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act is a significant step towards this goal," she stated. Furthermore, the inclusion of the Healthy Dog Importation Act in the upcoming Farm Bill is vital for strengthening dog importation standards, ultimately safeguarding both animal and human health.
The AVMA's endorsement of the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act is a game-changer. It proposes ending federal taxation on the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program, paralleling the tax treatment of similar programs for physicians. This change would not only encourage more veterinarians to serve in Veterinarian Shortage Situations designated by the USDA but also allow the USDA to grant an additional award for every three current awards, without requiring extra funding.
The Healthy Dog Importation Act takes aim at the more than 1.2 million dogs imported into the U.S. each year, a significant risk factor for disease outbreaks. By empowering the USDA and other federal agencies with necessary resources, the Act ensures rigorous health monitoring of imported dogs, protecting both animal and human populations from potential health hazards.
Carlson concluded, “Incorporating the Healthy Dog Importation Act into the new Farm Bill could drastically reduce the risk of future disease outbreaks.”
This legislative fly-in marks a pivotal moment in veterinary advocacy, with professionals united in their effort to reshape the landscape of animal health and public safety. Their presence in the halls of Congress signifies a collective dedication to enhancing veterinary care across the nation and protecting communities from emerging health threats.
