Incentives for vets in rural practice welcolme

National's proposals to address the rural veterinary shortages - including a voluntary bonding scheme for rural veterinarians - has been welcomed by the veterinary profession. NZVA chief executive, Julie Hood, says the proposals will greatly assist the severe shortage of veterinarians in rural areas."This is a serious issue, not only for the profession, but for the viability of our agricultural exports, the welfare of our animals and our biosecurity surveillance systems." Ms Hood says the NZVA would not normally comment on political policies, but this particular policy proposal is an important step towards attracting and retaining young veterinary graduates into hard to service areas. She says in areas like the east coast of the North Island, where there is now no veterinary presence for some distance, animal welfare is a growing concern. "