United States faces critical farm veterinarian shortage

A growing shortage of farm veterinarians across the United States is creating significant challenges for food safety, public health, and animal welfare. The U.S. Department of Agriculture identified 240 areas in 2024 experiencing a shortage of veterinarians capable of treating farm animals.

Fewer than 15% of veterinary school graduates pursue roles in farm animal care, often citing lower pay and more difficult working conditions compared to other specialties. This scarcity has direct economic and welfare consequences; in Iowa, for example, state officials reported that 60 veterinarians serve more than 5.1 million farm animals, averaging over 106,000 animals per vet.

The shortage impacts the livestock industry by increasing the risk of disease, as veterinary care serves as a primary defense for prevention. Farmers face potential income loss from animal deaths or the necessity of selling off herds, while livestock may suffer from increased stress and premature death due to inadequate medical attention.