Overview:
Food Animal Veterinarians are responsible for the care of animals that are raised for food production and human consumption. They provide medical care consisting of research, diagnoses, and prevention.
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What responsibilities will I have?
- Provide health care for livestock, and possibly laboratory animals
- Examine animals to determine nature of illness or injury
- Diagnose and treat injuries
- Monitor animal performance and provide regular feedback via performance management reports
- Provide technical expertise in health management including biosecurity, disease identification, prevention, control and treatment, regulatory and food safety requirements.
- Research new diseases, medicines and procedures
- Mentor veterinarian technicians regarding veterinarian medicine and animal related illnesses
- Test and vaccinate, prevent and control contagious animal diseases
- Responsible for ensuring sanitary measures before, during and after all procedures
- Operate medical equipment
- Euthanize animals when necessary
- Provide preventative care to maintain animal health
- Document for each specific animal treated
- Oversee staff and office/business affairs
What education and training is required?
A doctorate of Veterinary Medicine is required. A bachelor’s degree in animal science, biology, chemistry, animal nutrition, zoology or other related majors is required before being accepted to a doctoral program.
To pursue a career as a Veterinarian:
The following high school courses are recommended:agricultural education, a focus on sciences such as animal science and biology, chemistry, physical science, and mathematics.
Typical Employers:
Employed by food production companies, governmental agencies, and some university research farms.
Future Job Market/Outlook:
The future outlook for Food Animal Veterinarians is expected to be good.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:
- American Veterinary Medical Association
- American Society of Animal Science
- American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
- American Association of Swine Practitioners
- American Association of Laboratory Animal Practitioners