Infographic, Example 1

United States Department of Agriculture

Use of Veterinarians on Sheep
Operations-EXAMPLE

August 2020

NAHMS Goat Study 2019

A HIGHER PERCENTAGE OF GOAT PRODUCERS ARE CONSULTING VETERINARIANS

49.7%

39.5%

25.8%

2009

From 2009 to 2019 veterinarian consultations
increased by 25.8%.

2019

Percent of operations that
Consulted a Veterinarian

A higher percentage of producers on large operations (59.5%) than on small operations
(45%) consulted a veterinarian. A higher percentage of dairy producers (61.8%) than
meat or other producers (47.1% and 46.8% respectively) consulted a veterinarian.
PRODUCER-VETERINARIAN RELATIONSHIPS ARE EVOLVING

60.6%

62.9%

of producers that consulted veterinarians,
used electronics (e.g., phone, text, email) to
consult veterinarians.

of producers had a veterinarian
visit their operation.

37.1%

of producers that consulted veterinarians, only
consulted a veterinarian by electronic means
(e.g., phone, text, email).

REASONS FOR CONSULTING A VETERINARIAN

57.9%

2.7% of producers are veterinarians.

46.8%

emergency
visits

regular/
routine visits

REASONS FOR NOT CONSULTING A VETERINARIAN

82%

8%

6%

2%

2%

No
veterinarian
needed

Too
expensive

Local veterinarian
is not knowledgeable
about goats

No local
veterinarian

Other

A higher percentage of producers on operations with a primary production of
“other” reported not needing a veterinarian compared with producers on operations
that primarily produced meat.
VETERINARIANS ARE TRUSTED PARTNERS

54.6%

of producers have at least heard of the term
veterinarian-client-patient relationship
(VCPR).

22.2%

of operations described their VCPR as a
formal agreement with their veterinarian,
meaning it was a written document or a
verbal agreement.

A veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) plays an important role in animal health
in many states, it is required by law so that a veterinarian can diagnose, treat, and prescribe
medication to animals. The definition of a VCPR may vary by state. A VCPR has occurred
when the client (owner or care taker) of (an) animal(s) has agreed to have a veterinarian
diagnose and possibly treat the animal(s). The veterinarian should be familiar with the
animal(s) from recent examination, have knowledge of the keeping and care of the animal(s),
or have recently visited the premise where the animal(s) are kept during a medically
appropriate and timely visit.
Herd size (number of goats and kids): small (5-19 head), medium (20-99
head), large (100 or more head)
Dairy refers to operations that primarily produce milk.
Meat refers to operations that primarily raised goats marketed for consumption.
Other refers to operations that primarily raised goats for other reasons.
For a more detailed briefing on this study and full report, visit:
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/ourfocus/animalhealth/monitoring-and-surveillance/nahms/nahms_goat_studies

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Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

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