By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist

Texas Tech University’s School of Veterinary Medicine was awarded a $250,000 Veterinary Service Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that aims to address the nationwide shortage of food animal veterinarians.

The grant will help the veterinary school create its first food animal residency program designed to strengthen veterinary services in rural and agricultural communities.

“The lack of veterinary coverage in rural regions has far-reaching consequences, from diminished livestock health and welfare to threats against food security and community economic viability,” Jennifer Koziol, associate professor of Food Animal Medicine and Surgery, said a press release. “The USDA project aligns with national strategic goals of supporting rural prosperity and ensuring a safe, nutritious food supply.”

The program is expected to launch this year.

The residency will recruit early-career veterinarians, equipping them with advanced clinical and research training to help them become future educators in food animal medicine.

Veterinarians will be trained into teaching roles to help alleviate the shortage of qualified food animal faculty at veterinary schools. They will mentor students and help them grow in their passion for food animal, large animal or mixed animal practice.

“This residency program is transformative for our school and the cattle industry,” said Guy Loneragan, dean of the School of Veterinary Medicine. “A capstone professional achievement for the residents in this program is attainment of diplomate status in the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. This is a national recognition as an elite specialist in all things cattle. The residents will provide leadership to advance livestock health and protect the national interest in U.S. food production.”

After graduating from the residency, veterinarians will bring expertise in antimicrobial stewardship, disease control and One Health leadership, the release said.