State/Territory
Arkansas
Shortage Location - Must Serve
Arkansas
Shortage Location - May Serve
Location Center
Little Rock, AR
VSGP Status
Unavailable
VMLRP Status
(Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program)
Open
Priority of shortage
High
Fiscal year
Percent FTE
(Full Time Equivalent, based on a 40hr work week.)
50
Type of Shortage
(Veterinary Practice Area / Discipline / Specialty)
Type III Shortage: Public Practice
Must serve
Beef Cattle
Other Must Serve
Other May Serve
Employer
Arkansas Agriculture Department
Position Title
Veterinary Specialist-Field Services
Other disciplinary area
Disease Regulation
Carry Over
Nominator Name
John G. Nilz, DVM
Nominator Title
State Veterinarian
Nominator Org
AR Agri. Dept.
Nominator Email
Nominator Phone
501.297.2250
Importance/Objectives of Veterinarian
Food animal production and agriculture are the largest industries in Arkansas, contributing more than $19 billion annually to the state economy. Broiler production accounts for $4 billion annually while turkey and beef cattle together contribute another $830 million. Nationally, Arkansas is ranked third in broiler production, third in turkeys raised, and eleventh in beef cattle production. There is also an active community of farms raising small ruminants and swine. There are more than 6,500 farms in Arkansas associated with poultry production, and more than 35 livestock & horse sales located across the state. Design and implementation of animal health programs at the state level is provided by the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Division (ALPD) of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. The ALPD has 24 livestock inspectors spread across the state. This shortage situation addresses the specific need for a USDA-accredited, licensed veterinarian located in the ALPD who can provide additional support for animal health programs in Arkansas.
Veterinarian Medical Activities & Services
The Field Veterinarian will administer animal health programs with the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Division (ALPD) of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. The Field Veterinarian will work cooperatively with the State Veterinarian and ALPD personnel to coordinate, plan, review, interpret, and implement animal health programs, animal health inspections, and disease investigations. These include animal tracing, livestock market monitoring, and oversight of livestock producer compliance with animal health regulations. The Field Veterinarian will also perform physical exams of animals shown at county and state fairs. The Field Veterinarian will complete training as a USDA/APHIS FADD and participate in the state-level emergency response in the event of an FAD outbreak. The Field Veterinarian will also complete USDA FSIS Veterinary Public Health training to support the Arkansas Meat Inspection Program. The Field Veterinarian, reporting directly to the State Veterinarian, may assume responsibility for oversight and management of animal industry regulatory functions performed by ALPD when required.
Historical Efforts of Recruiting/Retaining a Veterinarian
The position has been unfilled for 4 years.
Consequences of Not Securing/Retaining a Veterinarian
The animal health programs administered by the Field Veterinarian through the ALPD play an important role in maintaining the robust agriculture sectors of the state, and in supporting public health and food safety. There is a strong need to retain a full-time Field Veterinarian who has the skills, ability, and desire to work in this dynamic environment. Given the lack of a school of veterinary medicine in the state of Arkansas (although that may be changing in the next 3-5 years), and given the salary structure of the Arkansas Department of Agriculture, recruitment and retention of veterinary specialists remains a constant challenge. The VMLRP program benefits are critical and essential allurements in filling these key animal and public health roles. The contribution of a competent Field Veterinarian to the health status of domestic animals in Arkansas is quite considerable. Failure to retain a full-time Field Veterinarian will negatively impact the ability of the state to monitor animal health, animal movements, and respond to FAD events. This will in turn have a direct effect on the agricultural and economic health of the state. This shortage situation is therefore deemed "critical" in priority.
Community Aspects
The cost of living in Arkansas is 8% below the national average, and housing in particular is 21% below the national average. There is a wide range of outdoor recreation opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, and river sports. Vibrant food culture with boutique food and liquor made from Arkansas-grown, Arkansas-crafted products. There is a robust and collaborative community of mixed-practice and large-animal vets, and an active state veterinary professional group ArVMA. The ALPD is located in the Natural Resources Complex in west Little Rock, which also includes campuses for the AR Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, the Arkansas State Crime Lab, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission. This area of the state is literally and figuratively at the center of it all. Commerce, business, tourism, outdoor activities, upscale and downhome cuisine – it's all here. Visit Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site where nine students made history in 1957 or explore the life of a leader at the Clinton Presidential Center. The Diamond Mine is a short distance to the south west. Attractions include Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Heifer International, Clinton Presidential Library, The Old Mill, and Central High. Many lakes with excellent fishing of variable species.