A working group has been named to begin its task of looking for solutions to the state’s large animal vet shortage, Kentucky Agriculture Commissioner Dr. Ryan Quarles has announced.
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“This shortage of large animal veterinarians in Kentucky and throughout the nation has already started impacting the farmer and could impact our food source in the future,” Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles said.
“This creates a significant concern for farmers being able to access adequate animal care to keep their herds and flocks healthy. The working group brings together the brightest agriculture minds to find solutions to the issues at hand and improve the services farmers need.”
Nationwide, a shortage of large animal veterinarians is creating a negative impact as farmers search to find the veterinary care they need for their animals.
Large animal veterinarians are essential to the protection of the nation’s food supply.
Only 5 percent of veterinarians in the U.S. practice on large animals. The other 95 percent have turned to companion animal practices, research, or regulatory. In Kentucky, large animal veterinarians make up an even smaller percentage. Only about 3 percent of veterinarians in the state have dedicated large animal practices.
Following up on that plan, Commissioner Quarles has formulated the working group. Those named to the group and who they represent include:
-- Glen Sellers, Auburn University
-- Dr. Debbie Reed, Breathitt Veterinary Center and Murray State University
-- Dr. Gordon Jones, Kentucky Agriculture Development Board
-- Dustin Blosser, Kentucky Alternative Livestock Association
-- Dr. Andy Roberts, Kentucky Association of Equine Practitioners
-- Dr. Tim Gardner, Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners
-- Dave Maples, Kentucky Cattlemen Association
-- Dr. Charles Townsend, Kentucky Dairy Development Council
-- Caleb Ragland, Kentucky Livestock Coalition and Kentucky Soybean Association
-- Dennis Liptrap, Kentucky Pork Producers
-- Aaron Miller, Kentucky Poultry Federation
-- Dr. Beth Johnson, Kentucky Sheep and Goat Development Office
-- Dr. Jon Laster, Kentucky Veterinary Medical Association
-- Randall Evans DVM, Lincoln Memorial University
-- Mark Reding, State Board of Agriculture
-- Dr. James "Jamie" Matthew, UK College of Agriculture and UK Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
-- Dr. Andrea Sexten, Eastern Kentucky University
The group’s first organizational meeting is set for late February. The group is expected to meet throughout 2023 to further define the solutions, develop action plans, and set benchmarks to measure success. ■
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