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Vet squad to be ready for animal crisis
4 May 2004
The Federal Government will adopt recommendations made in a report on vets in the bush by former Livecorp chairman Peter Frawley. The report says that vets and veterinary schools are increasing their focus on small domestic pets at the expense of production animals like sheep and cattle. The report also states that although the number of country vets has doubled over the past 20 years, they are deserting smaller communities in favour of larger cities. Veterinary science education and registration need to be reviewed to encourage vets to remain in remote areas.
Mr Frawley also said another problem is that farmers believe that vets are expensive and would do little to help them manage livestock.
The report recommended that an Australian Veterinary Reserve be set up to deal with animal disease emergencies. One hundred non-government vets will work alongside government vets to manage any crises in animal health such as foot-and-mouth disease.
The Courier-Mail, 4/5/04.
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