E. coli round-upDick Durbin latest congressman to support increasing nation's veterinarian force
Shortage threatens food safety and public health; bill would provide $1.5 billion over ten years to expand veterinary schools
While the recent outbreak of E. coli continues to threaten the spinach industry, it is beef manufacturers who are feeling the heat. After all, the bacteria makes its natural home in the intestines of mammals, and eating undercooked beef is the main cause of human infection. Food animal veterinarians play a critical role in monitoring beef stock and ensuring safe food production practices, but a new study published recently in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) claims the veterinary profession is facing severe shortages. The Veterinary Workforce Expansion Act, introduced last year and still in committee, provides $1.5 billion over ten years to expand the size of veterinary schools and increase the number of veterinarians in the critical public health and food safety sectors. Senator Dick Durbin (D-Illinois) is the latest to offer his support to this important measure.
-read more in this AVMA news release
