Industry calls for action as farm vet shortage worsens

Animal health specialist and medicine supplier Zoetis has drafted an industry white paper calling for action to tackle staffing shortages within the veterinary sector.

A white paper published by Zoetis claims that almost half (48%) of UK veterinarians have considered leaving the sector.

It also revealed that three-quarters of UK vets had taken time off in the past year due to work-related issues.

See also: Free on-farm vet visits help to secure equipment grants

Rural and large-animal practices were found most likely to be understaffed due to remote locations, comparatively lower wages, and often more demanding work schedules.

Worryingly, 46.5% of vets working with farm animals said they had a desire to leave the sector.

A recent survey by the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe flagged staff retention as a major issue, with respondents suggesting the situation could worsen, leading to burnout of remaining staff and lower quality animal care overall.

Dr Stephanie Armstrong, veterinarian and regional president at Zoetis, said: “Addressing retention in the veterinary field requires looking beyond individual wellbeing to systemic factors.

“By fostering better work environments and providing support, we can help ensure that veterinarians continue to provide vital services to our communities.”

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has encouraged practices to look at company culture in an attempt to improve overall staff wellbeing.

BVA junior vice-president Rob Williams said: “Recruitment, and perhaps more pressingly retention, continues to be a challenge across the veterinary workforce.

“While external factors are at play, data from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey show that workplace culture is a major contributing factor.”