Vet Students Picking Companion Animals Over Farms
Concerns for food safety rise as the number of veterinarians who work with farm animals is on the decline as many retire and fewer students are choosing large-animal practice.
A recent survey conducted by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) found that about 2% of 2010 graduating veterinary students plan to work mostly with large, non-companion animals. Another 7% of veterinary students focused on a mixed curriculum involving all types of animals, though the majority were inclined toward companion animal care.
Half of farm animal vets are over 50 and fewer than 5% are under the age of 30. In response, the vet school at the University of California, Fresno is increasing the number of students admitted who are interested in large animals. Federal legislators have also introduced some bills to help increase the number of larger farm animal vets.