The Veterinary Council of Ireland has recorded 133 new vets and 48 veterinary nurses on its register so far in 2020.

Speaking with the Irish Farmers Journal, CEO and registrar of the Veterinary Council of Ireland Niamh Muldoon said: “Veterinary shortages are anecdotal in the main, but one of the primary challenges identified is staff retention in certain locations.”

The total current number of vets and veterinary nurses on the Veterinary Council register is 2,938 and 1,019 respectively.

Various challenges

Muldoon continued: “A number of aspects influence where a vet may decide to practice, such as lifestyle choices, location and individual preference. The same applies to deciding between large animal and companion animal practice.

"In order to address the issue of vet shortages, the Veterinary Council is analysing data and plans to conduct further research to inform possible solutions to this issue.

It is undeniable that there are various challenges facing certain remote locations in Ireland

“It is undeniable that there are various challenges facing certain remote locations in Ireland, but this is a matter for national policy to incentivise vets to these areas. The Veterinary Council acts as a regulator and decides who can practice in this country.”

Returning to practice

2019 saw the greatest number of vets join the register in a single year at 219.

“Part of the reason for such a high number in 2019 was many vets were returning to practice in light of Brexit. The demand for vets varies from year to year, as with any market,” said Muldoon.

The council has predicted that with an increasing number of Irish veterinary students qualifying in universities abroad, as well as increasing numbers of foreign vets registering to practise in Ireland, this will help to meet the growing demand for large animal vets in rural areas.

Of the 133 newly registered vets:

  • 50 are UCD graduates.
  • 25 are University of Veterinary Medicine in Budapest graduates.
  • 11 are University of Life Sciences in Warsaw graduates.
  • Eight came from various universities throughout the UK.
  • The remaining vets received their qualifications from other universities abroad.
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