State/Territory
Washington
Shortage Location - Must Serve
Grant County
Shortage Location - May Serve
Douglas, Lincoln, and/or Kittitas Counties
Location Center
Moses Lake WA 98837
VSGP Status
Open
VMLRP Status
(Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program)
Open
Priority of shortage
Critical
Fiscal year
Percent FTE
(Full Time Equivalent, based on a 40hr work week.)
80
Type of Shortage
(Veterinary Practice Area / Discipline / Specialty)
Type I Shortage: Private Practice Food Animal Medicine
Must serve
Beef Cattle
Small Ruminant
Other Must Serve
May serve
Dairy Cattle
Swine
Poultry
Other May Serve
Equine, Honey Bees
Employer
Position Title
Other disciplinary area
Carry Over
Nominator Name
Amber Itle
Nominator Title
Washington State Veterinarian
Nominator Org
Washington State Department of Agriculture
Nominator Email
Nominator Phone
360-961-4129
Importance/Objectives of Veterinarian
Livestock production is robust in the area due to high quality feed/grazing resources, ideal climate, proximity to packers/transportation corridors (I-90 and Canada), and high-value markets (domestic/export). Livestock utilize byproduct feed from food processing facilities. Within the area (approximately 300,000+ acres), there are 200,000+ head of cattle, 15,000+ pigs, and 5,000+ sheep are produced annually (per NASS and WSU extension statistics). Not included in the animal approximate numbers there are a significant number of honey bee colonies, ranch horses, and goats. The sustainability/expansion of current livestock farms is limited by the availability of food animal veterinarians. Local livestock associations have reported that producers are driving 2+ hours to seek regular and emergency care. Veterinarians are necessary to manage herd health, aid in tracking movement, producer education, identification of zoonotic diseases and guarding food animal safety. Availability of services are endangered due to the high ratio of food animals to available practitioners.
Veterinarian Medical Activities & Services
The veterinarian for this area would provide routine and emergency veterinary care services for food producing animals. They may also be involved in regulatory vaccinations/testing in accordance with state/federal health programs (Trichomoniasis, TB, Brucella, B.Ovis, Q Fever), and brand inspection, certificate of veterinary inspection for interstate/international movement of animals; disease diagnostic (post-mortem evaluation/toxicology testing). They are expected to provide guidance and VFD for the use of feed and water antimicrobials in compliance with FDA regulations. The veterinarian would also work with local animal shows/exhibitions to aid in regulatory requirements and producer/community education. This veterinarian will not only serve as a valuable food animal health practitioner to the area but will be critical to the early detection and response to emerging and/or foreign animal diseases as our location is identified as high risk for diseases such as African Swine Fever or Foot and Mouth Disease due to proximity to international airports and ports. The veterinarian will also demonstrate and educate others on proper food animal welfare according to scientifically-based industry standards.
Historical Efforts of Recruiting/Retaining a Veterinarian
Recruitment of food animal veterinarians has become near impossible for rural practices in Central Washington because of location and salary disparity compared to small animal practices. Majority of the local veterinarians servicing food animals have been looking actively for associates/partners for 8+ years with minimal response, there are many practices that also have buy in options in an attempt to promote long term investment in the community. Job postings in national forums, local forums, universities have proved costly and unsuccessful. Supporting externships, mentorships and area students, while fulfilling, has also proved unsuccessful.
Consequences of Not Securing/Retaining a Veterinarian
The shortage of veterinarians in the beautiful Columbia Basin has unfortunately passed the critical issue level making it near crisis level. This shortage is not only impacting the care of food animals and potentially the production of safe food, but it is also greatly taking its toll on the mental and physical health of the current veterinarians providing services in the area. Many practices in the area are not taking new clients, leaving producers to resort to other means of getting medications and advice. The Columbia Basin agriculture base relies heavily on animal agriculture to support the symbiotic relationship with crop production, forage and residue grazing, and food processing by-product utilization for economic and up-cycling benefits to both row crop and livestock producers. Without adequate food animal veterinarians in the area issues food animal production becomes limiting, thus impacting food security and safety, which can lead to a void that sometimes becomes filled with improper/illegal care of animals, use of animal health products, transport of animals and reporting of diseases. An unmitigated situation will negatively impact animal production in our area, affect human health, and create risk to biosecurity and food safety. Compliance with animal health regulations may suffer as well. Proximity to international borders raises likelihood of undetected imported diseases.
Community Aspects
This is a beautiful part of Washington with over 300 days of sunshine and mild winters. While it is central Washington there is expansive outdoor opportunities such as hunting/fishing, water/snow recreation all while being in close proximity to larger cities (both national and international). There are tight knit welcoming communities in the area which make a perfect environment to raise a family or start a small ranch.