SA could see veterinary shortage in rural areas

JOHANNESBURG - There is a growing shortage of veterinarians in South Africa.

An estimated 100 vets emigrate yearly while only about 140 new graduates enter the profession.

This has led to a significant deficit, particularly in rural areas.

South Africa has about 60 vets per million people.

That is far below the international standard of 2 to 400 per million.

High vacancy rates in state veterinary positions further compound this shortage.