State/Territory
Idaho
Shortage Location - Must Serve
Bingham, Bonneville, Jefferson, Power County, Idaho
Shortage Location - May Serve
Location Center
Pocatello, ID (83201) or Idaho Falls, ID (83401)
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
Beef Cattle
Other Must Serve
May serve
Dairy Cattle
Small Ruminant
Other May Serve
Employer
Position Title
Other disciplinary area
Carry Over
Nominator Name
Scott Leibsle
Nominator Title
State Veterinarian
Nominator Org
Idaho State Dept. of Agriculture
Nominator Email
Nominator Phone
208.332.8540
Importance/Objectives of Veterinarian
This 4-county area (6,570 sq miles) of predominantly agricultural land (supporting a primarily agriculture-based economy) has a disproportionate number of resident cattle compared to available large animal vets. There are a total of five (5) veterinarians providing food animal services in this area on a routine basis. These counties are home to more than 274,000 head of cattle (NASS 2023) and a large number of sheep and goat operations....and herds are continuing to grow. In early 2023, two new FSIS-inspected slaughter plants came online in Idaho Falls, which has and will continue to encourage beef herds in the surrounding area to increase their herd size. A food animal veterinarian in this area would serve a clientele ranging from large and small beef herds, approx. 20 dairy herds (Grade A & raw) to the "backyard" herd of only a few head. This territory also borders Idaho's Designated Surveillance Area for brucellosis, so it is critical to retain adequate, qualified veterinary care in the region, as 2 new brucellosis positive herds were identified in this area in 2023 and will require extensive testing and management. Additionally, many more cattle utilize public rangelands in this area for summer grazing. Veterinarians in the rural area must be willing to be flexible to the needs of a unique and varied clientele to allow veterinary services to remain available to all types of producers.
Veterinarian Medical Activities & Services
Beef (cow/calf and feedlot) herd health and veterinary medical/surgical services. Dairy herd health and veterinary medical/surgical services. Sheep/Goat herd health, veterinary medical/surgical services As this area is near Idaho's Designated Surveillance Area for brucellosis, veterinarians are intimately involved in brucellosis control activities ie; brucellosis vaccination, testing and education. While an important aspect of the veterinarian's life is built around one's day-to-day practice, it is equally important to be involved in one's community. During the "business" part of the day, a rural mixed animal practitioner can be found providing a variety of veterinary services expected with a rural lifestyle. Service opportunities, both veterinary and non-veterinary, surround the rural veterinary lifestyle.
Historical Efforts of Recruiting/Retaining a Veterinarian
• Advertisements in State VMA newsletter and website • Postings on job boards at veterinary meetings & veterinary colleges • AVMA matching program • Networking within veterinary community, allied (pharmaceutical) and animal industry personnel • Contacting veterinary colleges • Offering externships to veterinary students • Mentoring veterinary students
Consequences of Not Securing/Retaining a Veterinarian
The following are areas of potential concern / risks given the agricultural base of the community. • Control of regulated diseases such as Brucellosis, Tuberculosis and Trichomoniasis. The necessity of vigilant surveillance and active prevention of such diseases is inherently obvious. Given the recent reappearance of these diseases in Idaho; the need to protect from zoonotic disease and avert the economically devastating consequences of such diseases must be of priority. As this area serves producers that utilize Idaho's Designated Surveillance Area for brucellosis, it is critical to retain qualified, adequate veterinary services in the area. • Public safety Rural communities often "grow their own food source" Many residents of this region are hobby farmers which raise small numbers of cattle, sheep and goats for home consumption. Providing adequate veterinary care for these animals is fundamental to the health of the rural Idaho family. • Minimizing Disease Transmission Beef management practices in Idaho necessitate release of cattle on public range lands. Although this practice is fundamental to the producer's viability, it allows for commingling of cattle and potential for disease transmission. Because this area serves a large number of producers who utilize Idaho's Designated Surveillance Area for brucellosis, mitigating the risk of disease transmission from wildlife to livestock is vital to the livestock industry in the state. Providing access to qualified veterinary care and diligent surveillance programs will minimize this risk.
Community Aspects
Eastern Idaho is no stranger to year-round outdoor adventure. An ideal gateway to Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park, the unique ecosystem of this region provides many opportunities for recreation amidst breathtaking scenery. Fish blue-ribbon trout streams and experience some of the lesser-known pleasures, like a lively ride on Rexburg's antique carousel, a huckleberry milkshake in Victor and a night of old-fashioned family fun at the Spud Drive-In in Driggs. The Yellowstone Teton Loop offers 324 miles through national forests, vibrant wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes, endless hiking trails and perfect fly-fishing spots. Many seasoned hunting outfitters operate in Eastern Idaho, which offers some of the finest big game hunting in the Nation. With the cities, such as Idaho Falls, there is a captivating blend of natural beauty and metropolitan attractions. The namesake waterfall is a beautiful central destination, while the nearby River Walk offers scenic strolls and many types of recreation. Idaho Falls hosts local festivals and has a charming historic downtown with shops and restaurants, making it a great base for exploring Eastern Idaho's natural phenomena and urban culture. Idaho Falls Regional Airport provides convenient access to the region, ensuring quick access for those looking to visit, do business, or catch up with friends. For more information on Eastern Idaho, go to: https://visitidaho.org/regions/east/