Act Now: Texas Seeks Nominations for Rural Veterinary Shortage Areas—Get Up to $25K Loan Repayment
The Texas Animal Health Commission (TAHC) is now accepting nominations for geographic areas in Texas experiencing a shortage of veterinarians in food animal medicine, rural private practice, or public practice. This initiative is part of the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP), which helps address veterinary shortages by offering loan repayment incentives in exchange for service.
Game-Changing Partnership: Zoetis and Danone Team Up to Revolutionize Sustainable Dairy Farming Through Genetics
Zoetis and Danone have announced a strategic partnership aimed at advancing sustainability in dairy farming through genetic innovation. By combining Danone's commitment to environmental sustainability with Zoetis' expertise in animal genetics, the collaboration seeks to enhance the dairy industry’s approach to breeding healthier, more resilient cows.
USDA Imposes New Import Restrictions on Japan Due to Avian Influenza Outbreak
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has announced new import restrictions on avian commodities from Japan's Hokkaido Prefecture, effective October 17, 2024. These restrictions follow the detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in domestic birds in the region.
Governor Polis Backs Plan to Try to Solve Colorado's Pet Care Crisis
In November, Colorado voters can expect a ballot measure that supporters say will help with the state's veterinarian shortage. However, those opposed to the measure believe it will put pets at risk more than it would help.
Colorado Governor Jared Polis recently endorsed Proposition 129, a measure aimed at addressing Colorado's veterinary care shortage, especially in rural areas. The proposal, backed by the Vet Care Coalition, seeks to create a new role, the Veterinary Professional Associate (Vet PA), which would expand access to veterinary services across the state. Vet PAs would be credentialed by the state veterinary board, hold a two-year master's degree, and work under licensed veterinarians.
Veterinary Workforce Crisis: Why the Data Doesn't Match Reality
A recent report from the Brakke Veterinary Workforce Forecast project suggests that by 2035, the U.S. could see a surplus of veterinarians, with the supply outpacing demand. However, this optimistic projection doesn’t reflect the current reality of veterinary medicine, especially in states like Kentucky, where the shortage of veterinarians is reaching critical levels.
Women Leading the Charge: Mars Petcare Appoints Female Powerhouses to Top Leadership Roles
Mars Petcare is making strides toward greater diversity in leadership by announcing two groundbreaking appointments that highlight the positive impact of female leaders in the veterinary industry—a sector where women are still underrepresented in executive roles. Nefertiti (Nef) Greene and Katie Devine have been appointed to lead key divisions within Mars Petcare’s $30B+ business, marking a pivotal moment for female leadership in veterinary medicine.