State/Territory
Wisconsin
Shortage Location - Must Serve
Ashland, Bayfield and Iron Counties, WI
Shortage Location - May Serve
Vilas, Oneida, Price, Sawyer Counties, WI
Location Center
Mellen, WI (South of Ashland, WI)
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
Dairy Cattle
Small Ruminant
Other Must Serve
May serve
Swine
Poultry
Other May Serve
equine, cervids
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
The primary need for a veterinarian in the Ashland, Bayfield, Iron County area of Northern Wisconsin is to serve the needs of the approximately 500 livestock premises owners in the area. The three counties have a land area of 3336 square miles, and are served presently by only one large animal practitioner. The surrounding counties of Vilas, Oneida, Price and Sawyer extend further along the border of the Wisconsin/ Michigan Upper Peninsula border, and south to Hwy 8, which extends east to west across northern Wisconsin. The must-serve area has 19,000 cattle (dairy and beef), 132 goats, and a mix of other small ruminant, poultry, swine and other livestock species. The area is rural, with small towns, wooded natural areas and farmland. The livestock premises are spread out across the counties, and could support a 30% FTE veterinarian. The veterinarians in Ashland, WI report inadequate food animal veterinary support for the counties. The few practices remaining in the area have limited their food animal services, or they have limited the geographic area they are willing to support. Livestock producers in the area are unable to transport animals long distances for care, and require ambulatory veterinary services for routine and emergency care.
Veterinarian Medical Activities & Services
A veterinarian serving this shortage area must be willing to provide ambulatory services for diagnostics, treatment and disease surveillance. A veterinarian in this shortage area would be expected to provide services to dairy and beef cattle, small ruminants, swine, poultry and horses. Regular activities include, but are not limited to: 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, reproductive exams, obstetrical procedures, and 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 producers on various topics.
Historical Efforts of Recruiting/Retaining a Veterinarian
The veterinarians in this area have had difficulty recruiting and retaining veterinarians, as new graduates gravitate towards higher salary opportunities in small animal practice in other areas of the state. The Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program can help attract a veterinarian to this area by offsetting some of the student loan debt.
Consequences of Not Securing/Retaining a Veterinarian
The livestock premises in this shortage area are diverse, and they represent a significant source of food to the people of the area. Access to veterinary care is critical to ensure the health and well being of these animals, and to ensure a safe and wholesome food supply for the area. Veterinary oversight is also necessary to keep Wisconsin free of diseases such as bovine tuberculosis, brucellosis and pseudorabies, maintaining markets for livestock and products. Veterinarians are also critical in providing appropriate medical care, and in reducing inappropriate and ineffective use of antimicrobials. With the increasing worldwide incidence 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 care 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
The counties in this shortage area are in the North Woods portion of Wisconsin, bordering Lake Superior and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The area is known for natural beauty and a quiet atmosphere, with many opportunities for outdoor activities including swimming, boating, fishing, hunting, birding, wildlife watching, skiing, hiking and biking. There are also many opportunities to engage in indoor winter sports such as curling, hockey and bowling. The fall colors are spectacular in this part of Wisconsin, and there are many trails (including ATV and rustic roads) to take in the fall foliage. There are many opportunities to engage with the local communities, for example by working with local school boards, churches and community organizations. Wausau (population 40,000) is approximately 2.5 hours away, with theaters, sporting events and many restaurants and entertainment options. Duluth, MN (population 86,000) is less than 2 hours away, and also has many venues for dining, shopping and entertainment.