Story perspectives

Rural America’s Veterinarian Crisis: 90% Decline Since WWII

9/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Rural America faces a severe shortage of food-animal veterinarians, with a 90% decline since WWII.
Official "shortage areas" span 46 states, leading to overwhelming workloads for a limited number of vets.
Some vets manage thousands of animals, jeopardizing animal health and food safety.
The 2022 bird flu outbreak underscored the need for strong veterinary care to prevent disease.
Despite incentives, the number of mixed and food-animal vets fell by 15% in 2023.

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Story summary

Rural America faces a severe shortage of food-animal veterinarians, with a 90% decline since WWII.
Official "shortage areas" span 46 states, leading to overwhelming workloads for a limited number of vets.
Some vets manage thousands of animals, jeopardizing animal health and food safety.
The 2022 bird flu outbreak underscored the need for strong veterinary care to prevent disease.
Despite incentives, the number of mixed and food-animal vets fell by 15% in 2023.