BANGOR DAILY NEWS • June 2, 2024
Maine farmers and homesteaders have struggled to access veterinary care for decades. A shortage of vets who treat large animals is made more complicated by the small and scattered nature of Maine livestock operations, according to state veterinarian Stefanie Bolas. A recent federal rule outlawing over the counter animal antibiotic sales has also increased demand for vet visits. With more inexperienced people raising livestock at home post-pandemic, unable to get a vet or facing increased costs when they do, some are teaching themselves medical procedures and turning to Facebook for guidance. A lack of access to livestock vet care could have a negative impact on the food supply and human health. Eighteen veterinarians serve thousands of livestock in Maine. Five treat just horses and five focus mostly on pets and small animals. Farm vets make less money than their small animal counterparts.