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2008 Policy Book
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We are concerned about the lack of large animal practitioners in the area of veterinary medicine.
The changing structure of the livestock industry will require veterinary professionals who have a practical, scientific, and professional approach to achieving and protecting animal health. It is imperative there be talented, diligent, and qualified animal health professionals to protect the State's livestock industry. In support of Homeland Security and the threat of terrorism, veterinarians are the first line of defense in dealing with existing and emerging infectious and contagious diseases impacting human and animal health.
We support the Production Medicine Scholars Program at Michigan State University. The goal of the program is to encourage interested students to pursue food-animal medicine careers.
The National Veterinary Medical Services Act (NVMSA) provides veterinary school graduates student-loan repayment if they agree to work in under-served areas. We encourage Congress to fund the NVMSA and for the USDA to work with the livestock industry to develop guidelines for participation.
We encourage Michigan Farm Bureau to lead the development of an animal health education fund designed to assist and attract future food animal practitioners.
County Farm Bureaus are encouraged to work with local communities to assist in the recruitment of future veterinary professionals and the establishment of food animal practitioner businesses.
