The Livestock Veterinarian Shortage: Implications for Food Safety and Security

Veterinarians involved in food supply veterinary medicine, commonly referred to as “food animal veterinarians,” play a crucial role in America’s food supply chain. By caring for the health and welfare of livestock, they promote the consumption of animal-based products in a safe, sustainable, and ethical way. They also serve on the frontlines for infectious disease surveillance, including for emerging zoonotic diseases, and through this, contribute to national and global health security. In the face of a growing population and increased demand for animal proteins, the role of food animal veterinarians has never been more important to provide high-quality animal products through sustainable livestock systems.