Fears are growing over a national shortage of vets which could affect Ireland’s agriculture industry.
Leading representatives in the veterinary sector say urgent measures need to be put in place to avoid vets facing “burnout” due to a recruitment crisis in the profession.
Senior veterinary professionals say Brexit and a sharp rise in pet ownership during the Covid pandemic are responsible for the additional pressure being placed on vets.
President of Veterinary Ireland, Conor Geraghty said the issue needs to be addressed and added: “Anecdotally, we are hearing that so many practices are having problems recruiting staff.”
Despite many practices say they are experiencing difficulties in recruiting extra staff, figures suggesting that the number of Ireland’s vets is at a record high.
IFA animal chairman Pat Farrell said the current shortage of vets was a “complex issue”.
“The economic facts are: it’s more lucrative for vets to service small animals and this can be done, largely, in normal working hours,” he added.
Mr Farrell called for the Veterinary Council of Ireland and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine to address the current vet shortage.
LSL News.