U.S. House approves Veterinary Services Investment Act

Washington

- The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Veterinary Services Investment Act (H.R. 3519) yesterday, which would create a competitive grant program to increase access to veterinary care in under-served areas.

According to the bill, the competitive grants program would be administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Grants would be awarded in cases that would "substantially relieve veterinary shortage situations" and support or facilitate private veterinary practices engaged in public health practices.

The American Veterinary Medical Association remains in support of the legislation, as reported in DVM Newsmagazine.

"Rural areas are facing a critical and growing shortage of large-animal veterinarians," says Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson (D-Minn.). "These veterinarians are the first lines of defense against animal disease and a crucial player in ensuring the safety of our food. This bill will encourage veterinarians to serve these areas where their skills are needed."

The bill was first introduced in July 2009, and now moves to the Senate for consideration.