Oklahoma Experiences Shortage of Large-Animal Vets

By Emily Wood, NEWS 9

RINGLING, Oklahoma -- Oklahomans rely on rural veterinarians to keep their food supply safe from diseases. Vets also work with Oklahoma food producers to help them make a profit. But many rural vets are retiring. Researchers say Oklahoma is starting to see a critical shortage of large-animal vets.

In Stephens County vets are vital to farmers.

Dr. Mike Tripp's clinic in Ringling, Oklahoma is almost always busy with routine checkups and emergencies of all kinds. When a 220 pound pig hurts its leg, up to Tripp to catch it and inject some meds to ease the pain.

"Seem like every time we have a problem, any kind of animal, he's there quickly to take care of our problems, treat our animals," producer Donna Powell said.

Tripp is one of only a half-dozen-or-so vet for the more than 900 cattle farms in Stephens County.

"This area in Oklahoma is looking at a great shortfall in veterinarians because most vets are much older," said Tripp. "They're at the age where they're going to retire."

The Powells have relied on Tripp for the last 25 years. And like many, they say they would likely go out of business without his help.

"We just hope he stays well enough and healthy enough to keep going as long as he can," Powell said. 

A large-animal vet fits a job description tough on the body, and at times on the wallet, reasons many young vets choose to work with strictly small animals instead.

Local veterinarians keep a close eye on all their clients' animals. They're the first line of defense when it comes to major diseases.

Dr. Tripp helps producers like Jack Wilson keep their animals healthy.

"Do I rely on his medical advice? Without a doubt," Wilson said.

These routine checkups and conversations keep both farmer and vets informed and profitable. But Tripp says he hopes lawmakers will do more to make this hands-on job more economical for new grads. Otherwise, he says, these rural working relationships will quickly become a thing of the past.