Function of the veterinarian in the mountain areas: evolution and future
Abstract
In France, veterinarians in practice, even though they all exercise the same profession, may display various and distinct kinds of jobs: vets in cities vs. vets in the countryside, taking care of livestock or pets etc. Moreover even in the rural area, there are striking differences of approach depending on the region or area of practice. This is particularly the case for mountainous areas which as a result, generates various constraints for the practice of medicine and surgery of animals that are described in this presentation. In addition, these zones show an intense desertification that consequently and dramatically impacts vet practices. In response to such a challenge, the vets have to adapt themselves and find the most appropriate ways to maintain local services to the farmers in as an efficient manner as for pets in towns. The recruitment of young veterinarians becomes critical for the survival of rural vet practices and thus for the animal health surveillance veterinary network as a whole but more particularly in mountainous areas given their specific sanitary risks. Farmers in such mountainous regions have become economically successful during recent decades similarly to what is noticed in plains. They too require great professionalism and efficiency from their vets both in terms of farming strategy and prevention and cure of diseases. In addition, the implication of the vet in such areas is often well beyond a simple contract and practically requires quite a personal investment.