State/Territory
Oregon
Shortage Location - Must Serve
Umatilla County, OR
Shortage Location - May Serve
Gilliam County, OR
Location Center
Hermiston, OR
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
Swine
Poultry
Small Ruminant
Other May Serve
Camelids and Equine
Employer
Position Title
Other disciplinary area
Carry Over
Nominator Name
Ryan Scholz
Nominator Title
State Veterinarian
Nominator Org
Oregon Department of Agriculture
Nominator Email
Nominator Phone
503-986-4680
Importance/Objectives of Veterinarian
Umatilla County is in Northeastern Oregon and bordered by the state of Washington and the Columbia River. It is a large county with over 3,000 square miles and home to approximately 60,000 head of beef cattle. There are thriving cow-calf production systems, multiple large feedlot production systems, and a large number of export and import of livestock all present within the county. It is also home to three livestock shows annually which showcases the robust 4-H and FFA programs, along with other youth agricultural programs in Umatilla County. While the focus will primary be in Umatilla County, the veterinarian would also need to help with other existing shortage areas such as Gilliam County. The importance of a veterinarian serving this area would be key in maintaining a safe and wholesome food supply; participating as a key partner in the agriculture-wildlife-public One Health efforts; supporting community 4-H, FFA and other youth agricultural programs; acting as a liaison with multiple state and government agencies and private land owners in regards to public land use; become a member of the Oregon Veterinary Emergency Response Team (OVERT); and act as a USDA Accredited Veterinarian or Oregon Deputy State Veterinarian.
Veterinarian Medical Activities & Services
The veterinarian in this area would expect to spend much of their time working with food animals, especially beef cattle. The primary focus will be providing services to cow/calf operations, feedlots, and cattle markets. Activities will include developing herd health programs, integrated grazing management plans, nutrition advising, addressing routine health concerns, such as, assessing for diseases, artificial insemination, trichomoniasis testing, pregnancy checks and calving emergencies. The veterinarian in this area would also be expected to become proficient in regulatory medicine; to assist the state and federal officials in protecting against domestic and foreign contagious animal diseases, as well as promoting Animal Disease Traceability (ADT). The veterinarian serving this county would need to have a close working relationship with the District Oregon Department of Agriculture veterinarian along with other local USDA officials due to the proximity to the bordering state line.
Historical Efforts of Recruiting/Retaining a Veterinarian
Local veterinarians have tried recruiting associates for several years with little success in Umatilla County. There has only been one mixed animal practitioner that has been hired and retained for longer than a one-year period in a county that has lost at least five mixed animal practitioners to either retirement or relocation. VMLRP could provide the opportunity to attract a new veterinarian to move to this county and practice in this area for a longer period. The VMLRP would also provide support for an existing associate practitioner who is already attempting to remedy the shortage in Umatilla County.
Consequences of Not Securing/Retaining a Veterinarian
Animal health and animal welfare are at great risk with reduced ability to perform routine herd health checks along with inability to secure veterinary care in the case of emergencies. Food security, and food safety are also jeopardized given the decreased ability to recognize and report emerging and foreign animal diseases. Adequate veterinary resources are key to the economic viability of this area of Oregon.
Community Aspects
Umatilla County is most known for the famous Pendleton Round Up and the Farm City Pro Rodeo which emphasizes the significance of agriculture in this community in this area. With a friendly community and its agricultural roots, Hermiston offers a high quality of life with diverse recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and a growing economy. It is home to many agricultural commodities and is well known for its delicious watermelons the area produces.