Missouri announces program to train veterinarians for large-animal work
Grant of $500,000 will fund test of a national food-animal veterinary institute
St. Joseph, Mo. — -- A pilot program to train veterinarians and veterinary technicians to fill the expected gap in the large-animal workforce has received a $500,000 grant, a thumbs-up from Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, and a joint effort by the Missouri Department of Agriculture and USDA Rural Development.
Nixon announced the program at Missouri Western State University as a way to combat the estimated shortage of large-animal veterinarians and veterinary technicians nationwide. The program may include the establishment of a national food-animal veterinary institute in the multi-state Kansas City Animal Health Corridor of veterinary colleges, agricultural interests, and private animal health companies.
The grant will go toward a business plan and pilot program for the anticipated institute.
