Addressing the ongoing need for food animal services in San Mateo County will ensure local farmers can continue to contribute to California’s food supply, especially smaller local markets. The successful veterinarian's objective would be to serve the area's food animal species, including beef cattle and backyard poultry, and be a resource for 4-H and FFA youth agriculture projects. Most of the poultry serviced will be backyard poultry, including small hobby flocks and pet owners. There is a large number of small farms, as well as a few bigger ones, with the total farms listed by the National Agricultural Statistics Service as 272, and 5400 cattle across the potential service area. A Category II accredited veterinarian practicing in this area is a key component to the early detection system protecting the California livestock industry from emerging and foreign animal diseases (FAD). Additionally, the practitioner will play a vital role in
The veterinarian would perform the typical duties of a mixed animal practitioner including but not limited to: pregnancy diagnosis, dystocia or obstetrical assistance, FAD surveillance and overall herd health practices (vaccination, castration, and testing requirements for State and federal regulations). The veterinarian should also be available to establish a veterinarian-client-patient-relationship (VCPR) and develop treatment plans for antibiotics and other prescription medications. The veterinarian should be available for emergencies across the county. The successful candidate should provide veterinary services and outreach to small hobby farms or youth agriculture groups, especially as the local University of California 4-H Research farm is located within this county. These outreach operations often require more time and nuanced care, with educational farm visits that rely on veterinarians to teach safe and sustainable animal agriculture practices to maintain good animal welfare standards. The veterinarian may also assist with emergency veterinary needs during wildfire responses or other natural disasters. This nomination is specifically written to be mixed animal because, despite its rural location, it is in a high cost of living area and will need to supplement 30% food animal with companion animal services. Many heritage ranches supply the adjacent communities. A minimum of 50% service time must be dedicated to beef cattle and poultry, the must- serve species. The rest of the veterinarian’s service time can be allocated to agriculturally relevant livestock. Backyard poultry husbandry, disease prevention, and nutrition are key components of this shortage area, as the previous veterinarian no
This area is served by two food animal veterinarians, a mixed animal veterinarian currently in the process of retiring, and a recently established veterinarian who has converted a small animal practice to mixed animal. Recruitment and retention of new veterinarians in this area to replace retiring veterinarians is important for the local community. There is incredible community awareness for this shortage nomination including a letter of support from a County Supervisor and five letters from food animal producers.
Maintaining adequate veterinary care in this county is important to the local food supply and to the farming communities along the coast, along with several hobby farms. Cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry (both for pet and commercial means) are in need of service along the coast. One of the top problems is that this county borders far more urban counties and, thus, struggles to borrow veterinary services from local communities and is often left to fend for itself. Vets from two counties over have been utilized to meet needs on an urgent basis. The interface of wildlife and livestock can result in disease transmission and requires oversight from a veterinarian for early detection of possible emerging diseases or foreign animal diseases (FADs). Without adequate and accessible veterinary care, farmers who are not trained in FAD recognition and biosecurity practices may inadvertently create disease reservoirs or allow for diseases to spread throughout the county, state, or region. This is especially important in a region so close to the San Francisco International Airport, with innumerable animals, humans and trade occurring through the port.
This quaint seaside county features wonderful traditions, excellent schools and access to local universities, and a strong community. The Half Moon Bay Art & Pumpkin Festival is a major attraction. San Mateo has beautiful beaches, perfect to enjoy a scenic horseback ride along the shore. Nestled between the hills and along the coastlines, San Mateo is within driving range of ample opportunities for employment of the veterinarian's partner or spouse.