Oklahoma has partnered with the Farm Journal Foundation to address its rural and food animal veterinary shortage. The initiative will gather data and foster collaboration between the agriculture and veterinary communities to support rural economic growth and public health.

As the U.S. veterinary shortage reaches critical levels, New Hampshire has introduced a solution by offering conditional licenses to foreign-trained veterinarians, according to a report from EquiManagement. This innovative approach aims to reduce the pressure on the veterinary industry by allowing veterinarians already in the U.S. to begin practicing while completing their licensure requirements.

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.

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.

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.

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.