Rural Nebraska counties face shortage of veterinary services

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — There is a nationwide shortage of veterinarians and certified vet techs in rural areas, and it’s even worse when it comes to care for large animals. 

Counties in 46 states are facing a critical shortage of veterinarians, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

In Nebraska, 19 rural counties are experiencing this problem.

“Nebraska is a huge livestock production sate, so when we don’t have the necessary veterinary services to go with those animals, it creates a herd health problem for the producers, as well as an economic problem,” said John Hansen, president of the Nebraska Farmers Union.  

USDA data from this year shows less than 6% of private veterinary practices nationwide offer services for large animals.

“It’s also frustrating when young vets come, take a look at the situation” and decide not to stay, Hansen said.

He said since agricultural operations are consolidating, with more cattle owned by fewer people, it’s harder for vets to sustain a business.

Hansen hopes conversations start in the state on how to address these shortages. 

“We have to take a look at the total numbers of kids we got going to veterinary school,” he said. “How do we increase that number? How do we increase incentives to recruit folks to go to veterinary school and then also to practice large animals?” 

Rep. Adrian Smith of Nebraska, along with other lawmakers, introduced a bill last month to expand access to veterinarians in rural areas.

It would provide student loan reimbursement to veterinarians who choose to practice in a federally designated shortage area for three years.