Vet shortage across western region
The vast western region of NSW is facing a critical shortage of veterinarians and now an Upper House inquiry is examining why vets are leaving the profession - and what can be done to keep them in the industry.
Dr Charlotte Cavanagh is now the sole permanent vet working between the Kidman Way Veterinary Clinics in Bourke and Cobar and has welcomed the inquiry.
“The inquiry aims to get a better understanding of the challenges faced by rural vets, why there is a shortage and to look at strategies to increase the number of vets and the sustainability of the industry,” Charlotte said.
“It’s a big issue and a very timely inquiry for people in western NSW, Charlotte said, “In the past month, three full time vets have resigned from the western region of NSW.”
That situation has presented challenges to those vets remaining.
The western region covers 42 per cent of the state, from west of Walgett, through Brewarrina and Bourke, south to Hillston, Balranald and to Broken Hill, stretching from the Queensland border down to Victoria and west to the South Australian border.
There are currently no permanent government vets where previously there were four, which has enormous implications for livestock and animal welfare, biosecurity, emergency animal response, disease preparedness and surveillance.
“Beside me there are three full-time vets in Broken Hill, two of those, at the RSPCA clinic, only deal with small animals,” Charlotte said. […]
Read more in the printed edition of The Western Herald.
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