Desperate shortage of young farm vets

MORE young farm vets are desperately needed to fill gaps created by those leaving the profession or choosing to specialise in domestic pets.

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Poor retention, recruitment and a boom in dog and cat ownership have led to concerns over shortages in larger animals' care.

Paul Horwood, UK head of farm and exports at IVC Evidensia, said the sector urgently needs to attract youngsters "otherwise we'll end up with no students wanting to be farm vets and they'll all get attracted to small animals".

There was a pandemic-driven boom in dog and cat ownership across the UK, with millions of households getting pets.

This surge has led to burnout and mental health struggles among some in the profession, as well as higher prices for customers.

Paul, whose employer is among the firms being probed by the Competition and Markets Authority over steep costs, added: "I would guess 90% of student vets go into small animals, less than 10% are coming to look at farms.