UA seeks money for study of veterinarian program - WAFB 9 News Baton Rouge, Louisiana News, Weather, Sports

University of Arizona officials who want the Tucson-based school to establish a veterinary medical program are asking the Legislature for a $250,000 state appropriation for an initial study.

A National Research Council report issued last May concluded there's no national shortage of veterinarians.

However, Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean Shane Burgess say the proposed veterinarian program would address shortages for large-animal vets and in vets for public health, disease research and food safety.

The Arizona Daily Star reports that a veterinarian program proposal 20 years ago included building a veterinarian hospital and had a $200 million price tag.

The current plan is based on a model in which students would meet residency requirements at private veterinary centers and clinics.

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