Contact: State Rep. Don Armes
Capitol: (405) 557-7307
Faxon: (580) 351-7909
OKLAHOMA CITY
–With the potential for a shortage of large animal veterinarians looming in rural Oklahoma, state Rep. Don Armes said it is time to find a solution before the state finds itself with an unsafe animal and food crisis.
At Armes’ request, members of the House Agriculture and Rural Development Committee met this week to conduct a legislative study on attracting and retaining large animal, or food supply, animal veterinarians in rural Oklahoma.
"There are many areas that need to be discussed. This is something that needs to be addressed before Oklahoma is surprised by a veterinarian shortage," said Armes, R-Faxon. "These large animal veterinarians are needed to maintain healthy food supply animals so all Oklahomans can have safe milk, wheat and meat to eat."
According to Scott Dewald, executive vice president of the Oklahoma Cattleman’s Association, one cause for low numbers of large animal veterinarians is the high cost of tuition and resulting debt for students at veterinary school.
Dr. Michael Lorenz from the OSU Veterinary Medical Hospital at Oklahoma State University Veterinary School said the average student debt upon graduation is between $70,000 and $72,000, with 90 percent of that debt accrued during veterinary school.
In 2006 OSU graduated 75 students from its veterinary school. Lorenz also said that the average salary of large animal veterinarians is $50,200 after a few years of experience and establishing a name, meaning the college debt significantly outweighs the vet’s starting salary.
Armes, along with Dewald and Lorenz, think more scholarships and internships should to be provided to large animal veterinary students so more students will be interested in seeking the job.
The committee also discussed starting an incentive program similar to one currently provided to medical doctors who practice in rural areas.
Dewald said another draw back for veterinarians setting up shop in rural areas is the cost of starting a business. He urged lawmakers to establish an assistant program to help young vets have the cash flow to open up a business in rural areas.
"When a vet retires and sells his business, including all the space and expensive equipment, most new veterinary graduates can’t afford to buy the businesses because of the debt they’ve already accrued from school," said Armes. "These situations leave a rural town without a large animal vet. Having assistance programs would help both the young veterinarian and the local community."
With the growing national concern over food safety and animal-associated diseases, lawmakers said the need and demand for food supply veterinarians will increase.
"With the growing need for veterinarians in rural areas, it’s time we see what the Legislature can help do to attract vets to rural Oklahoma," said Armes. "This study provided us with a starting point in that process."