Vet shortages continue to cause increasing concerns for rural NSW

Cattle producer, Shane Kilby said that a good relationship with your vet is key in getting help for your animals.

ALSO READ:

Mayor stands by Kinghorne Street roundabout's construction

Art exhibition brings light to the winter days

Fabworx employee battles it out at WorldSkills National Championships

"As a livestock producer it's vital to have a good relationship with a large animal veterinary practice so you can get the care you need, when you need it," they said.

"Vets are indispensable for us, whether it's pregnancy testing, calving or even just looking in on a sick animal.

"Sadly we're seeing a decline in the number of large animal vets across the state and while those that are around do their best to fit you in, we can't let the numbers continue to slip."

While the number of registered vets had increased on average by three percent each year, they were overwhelmingly moving into small animal practice as pet ownership increased.

Ms Kilby said a motion from the NSW Farmers Dubbo Branch to the annual conference would that took place last month is a call for investment in a range of measures such as financial incentives to get vets into western NSW, ongoing tax incentives for vets to work in rural areas, and more training places targeting large animal vets training places.

"If we could get the same sort of HECS forgiveness for vets that teachers, doctors and nurses can access, we might get more vets into western NSW," they said.

"We would also like to see increased migration of skilled vets to plug the gaps in the short term, and really do more to train more vets for the future, maybe by reviewing the selection criteria for entry into veterinary science," they said.

Results of the conference can be found through the NSW farmers website.

Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can access our trusted content:

Make sure you are signed up for our breaking news and regular newsletters