State/Territory
California
Shortage Location - Must Serve
Siskiyou, CA
Location Center
Yreka, CA
VSGP Status
Open
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.)
30
Type of Shortage
(Veterinary Practice Area / Discipline / Specialty)
Type II Shortage: Private Practice – Rural Area Food Animal Medicine
Must serve
(minimum 50% of time)
Beef Cattle
Small Ruminant
Carry Over
Yes, #1
Nominator Name
Dr. Annette Jones
Nominator Title
State Veterinarian
Nominator Org
CDFA, AHFSS
Nominator Email
Nominator Phone
(916) 900-5000
Importance/Objectives of Veterinarian
Maintaining a safe and secure food supply in California. The successful veterinarian's objective would be to serve the area's beef cattle and sheep industries. There are approximately 25,500 head of cattle and 8,710 head of sheep in this area contributing to the annual $47 million animal agriculture industry in the county. This is large cattle ranch country, with extensive ranches in the defined service area, which is part of this incredibly large county that is 6,347 square miles of remote agriculture.
An accredited veterinarian practicing in this area is a key component to the early detection system protecting the California livestock industry from emerging diseases and foreign animal diseases (FAD). Interstate 5, a major highway serving California, Oregon, and Washington, passes through Siskiyou County. Whether introduced intentionally or not, it is highly possible to seed an undetected disease in these high plains and mountainous areas. Because of the remoteness of the cattle population and the interaction with wildlife, including the native deer population, a delayed detection of a FAD and the opportunity to become entrenched in the region could be financially devastating to the State.
Additionally, the practitioner will play a vital role in antimicrobial stewardship by working with producers to develop preventive herd health, biosecurity, and treatment protocols and by educating producers on disease mitigation and judicious antibiotic use. In light of legislation removing the over-the-counter access to antibiotics, such as California’s SB-27 and FDA’s Guidance for Industry #263, this presents an increasing need in within the veterinary services sector as more veterinary oversight is now required to utilize these valuable therapeutic tools.
Veterinarian Medical Activities & Services
The veterinarian would perform the typical duties of a food animal practitioner including but not limited to: pregnancy diagnosis, dystocia or obstetrical difficulties, FAD surveillance, semen evaluation, trichomoniasis testing and diagnosis, and overall herd health practices (vaccination, castration, and testing requirements for State and federal regulations). The veterinarian should also make routine herd visits to monitor implementation of preventive health and therapeutic protocols, as well as usage of antibiotics and other prescription medications. A minimum of 50% service time must be dedicated to beef cattle and sheep clients, the must-serve species. The rest of the veterinarian’s service time can be allocated to agriculturally relevant livestock.
In addition to beef cattle and sheep, the successful candidate may serve swine, bees, poultry, and provide veterinary services and outreach to small hobby farms or youth agriculture groups. These operations often require more time and nuanced care, with educational farm visits that rely on veterinarians teaching safe and sustainable animal agriculture practices to maintain good health and welfare standards. The veterinarian may also assist with emergency veterinary needs during wildfire responses or other natural disasters, work at sale barns, teach quality assurance programs, establish Secure Food Supply plans, or work for local county fairs, petting zoos, or rodeos in the area.
Historical Efforts of Recruiting/Retaining a Veterinarian
Currently, one large animal, mobile veterinarian and three companion animal veterinarians currently provide most of the large animal services. The companion animal veterinarians do this in recognition of their county’s need, and not because it comprises a significant portion of their practices. Due to the lack of specialized food animal care, producers often handle veterinary problems themselves. When this is not possible, they must seek assistance from veterinarian 100 or more miles away in Redding, California. Veterinarians occasionally cross the border from Southern Oregon, but this is not a sustainable model for emergencies or other urgent care. A 2021 VSGP grant was funded in this area; however, there is still a need for continued expansion of veterinary services through a VMLRP award.
Consequences of Not Securing/Retaining a Veterinarian
veterinarians to serve the needs of over 400 farms spread across the county’s 6,347 square miles.
Additionally, because of changes made through state and federal antimicrobial laws and regulations, producers of all sizes require now veterinary oversight in the form of a VCPR in order to access therapies that were previously available over-the-counter. The 4-H and FFA groups are especially vulnerable to this requirement; although they are short-term producers, they often require involvement from a vet regarding preventive health, food safety, antimicrobial stewardship, and biosecurity. Without appropriate veterinary medical support, animal health and welfare are at risk and disease threats are imminent.
Community Aspects
Located along the northern edge of California, Siskiyou County is home to plentiful forests, lakes, and mountains, including the iconic Mount Shasta. The successful candidate has the opportunity for limitless hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, golfing, water sports, or skiing. Enjoy the vistas on a hike to view McCloud Falls, world class fly fishing, or take a deep dive to explore over 800 caves at Lava Beds National Monument. Experienced rock climbers can attempt the Castle Dome trail, over 5 miles of rugged granite terrain in Castle Crags State Park. Afterwards, enjoy a beverage at one of many local breweries. This location is ideal for a candidate who loves outdoor activities and a small community feel.
Page last updated: February 6, 2025