State/Territory
Wisconsin
Shortage Location - Must Serve
Dunn, Chippewa Eau Claire Counties, WI
Shortage Location - May Serve
St. Croix, Pierce, Barron, Pepin Counties, WI
Location Center
Menomonie, WI
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
Dairy Cattle
Other Must Serve
May serve
Swine
Poultry
Small Ruminant
Other May Serve
equine, cervid
Employer
Position Title
Other disciplinary area
Carry Over
Nominator Name
Darlene M. Konkle
Nominator Title
State Veterinarian
Nominator Org
WI DATCP
Nominator Email
Nominator Phone
608-516-9121
Importance/Objectives of Veterinarian
A veterinarian in this shortage situation will fill an important role in providing food animal medicine and surgery services for the area. The Dunn, Eau Claire and Chippewa county area needs to maintain high quality local veterinary services for the many herds of cattle, goats, swine, horses, and other farm animals that will remain in the area for decades to come. According to 2022 Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics Services, there are 50,300 milk cows in 316 herds in the 3 counties, and 133,500 total cattle and calves. There is a growing small ruminant population in these counties (recent county data unavailable from NASS), with sheep and goat herds used for meat, milk and fiber production. The state of Wisconsin ranks #1 in number of milking goats, with 74,000 head in 2021. Given the numbers of food animals and the variety of species and farm types, the area would be well-suited to a veterinarian interested in providing high quality ambulatory services to a variety of clients. The practices in the area are committed to mentoring food animal and mixed animal veterinarians, and they are also committed to offering shared call services and time off. The three-county area is 2537 square miles. The approximate center of the shortage area (Menomonie, WI) is 1 hour driving time from the Twin Cities. A veterinarian in this area would provide services to a variety of operations, from small hobby farms to large commercial dairy operations. A veterinarian would also see a variety of species, primarily ruminants. This area has seen dairy herd veterinarians retiring within the past 5 years, with no replacement veterinarians coming in to provide services. There are county fairs and a local fair in the area which require veterinary services for the livestock shown at the fairs. Veterinarians are also needed in this area to provide education and outreach to clients and youth regarding herd health practices and biosecurity.
Veterinarian Medical Activities & Services
The activities required for this area would primarily be food animal practice. There may also be companion animal or equine services needed occasionally. Food animal practice activities include, but are not limited to: dairy herd health, including reproductive exams, dystocias, herd health maintenance (vaccinations, nutrition analysis, cow comfort and calf health), diagnostic workups and treatment of herd health issues such as gastrointestinal and respiratory issues on farm, or in clinic surgical procedures such as displaced abomasum, hernia repair, and laceration repair. A veterinarian in this area may conduct herd testing for bovine tuberculosis, and establish antibiotic use protocols and biosecurity plans. A veterinarian in this area may provide services to local livestock markets, and county and local fairs. A veterinarian practicing in this area will also issue Certificates of Veterinary Inspection for interstate movements. In addition to the practice of veterinary medicine, a veterinarian in this area is an important asset to the community. A veterinarian may provide educational opportunities for local 4H and FFA groups, and may provide seminars for local dairymen and women on various topics.
Historical Efforts of Recruiting/Retaining a Veterinarian
Veterinary practices have had difficulty replacing veterinarians who have retired, or sold their practices in the area. Within the past 12 months this region of WI has experienced tremendous change in the veterinary market. Three local clinics have closed their doors, or discontinued offering large animal services. Another local practice has absorbed many of these clients, and has also hired additional veterinarians from the practices that closed. Many recent graduates are drawn to companion animal medicine due to financial and lifestyle choices. Practitioners in the area have advertised in the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association newsletter, and other venues including the UW School of Veterinary Medicine.
Consequences of Not Securing/Retaining a Veterinarian
Livestock in Wisconsin is estimated to contribute $50 million to Wisconsin's economy. Wisconsin is the nation's top producer of cheese, and is in the top three states for milk production. Livestock, particularly dairy, is an important part of the rural economy in all areas of Wisconsin, providing jobs and a way of life for many people. In addition to dairy, these counties are home to a diverse population of small ruminants, swine and poultry - with both commercial and backyard facilities. Access to veterinary care is critical to ensure the health and well being of these animals. Veterinary oversight is also necessary to keep Wisconsin free of diseases such as bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis and pseudorabies, maintaining markets for livestock and products. With the increasing incidence world wide of high consequence diseases such as highly pathogenic avian influenza, African Swine Fever and Foot and Mouth Disease, it is critical for all food animals to have access to high quality veterinary oversight, to prevent and rapidly respond to these diseases. Lastly, many emerging pathogens are zoonotic. It is imperative for this area to retain veterinary services not only to protect animal health, but to protect human health and ecosystem health as well.
Community Aspects
West Central Wisconsin offers a number of outdoor recreational opportunities, including fishing, hunting, hiking, and skiing. The area offers great natural beauty, with rolling hills and farm land, as well as state parks and natural areas. The Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area is approximately an hour west of the shortage area, with many opportunities for dining, theater, and recreational activities. The city of Eau Claire is within the shortage area: Eau Claire is a university town, with a University of Wisconsin campus, as well as many places to dine and mingle.