Revolutionizing Rural Veterinary Care: How Cambria Veterinary Care is Transforming Large Animal Health with USDA Funding
In Johnstown, Pennsylvania, a significant transformation is underway at Cambria Veterinary Care, a clinic dedicated to the health of large animals. Thanks to a substantial $125,000 grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), the clinic is enhancing its services and facilities, ensuring better care for the rural community's diverse animal population.
This funding has been a game-changer for Cambria Veterinary Care, enabling the purchase of essential equipment that has immediately benefited local livestock owners. The grant facilitated the acquisition of a mobile veterinary unit, a portable digital radiology system, and a portable ultrasound system—tools crucial for modern veterinary practices, especially in areas with limited access to comprehensive animal healthcare.
Dr. Aubrey Vena, a large animal specialist at the clinic, highlighted the pressing need for such advancements. "Large animal clients in our area have struggled to acquire medical care for their livestock, with many going without appropriate care due to a shortage of veterinarians and the high demand on those available," she explained. The clinic's new haul-in facility, supported by the grant, aims to alleviate this issue by providing a more effective and efficient solution for local farmers and animal owners.
The mobile unit and diagnostic equipment initially served the community while the clinic's haul-in facility was under construction, allowing Cambria Veterinary Care to begin making an immediate impact. Now that the facility is operational, the equipment is used both on-site and in the field, enhancing the clinic's flexibility and reach.
Beyond equipment, the NIFA grant is set to further enhance the clinic's capabilities. Plans are in place to equip the facility with specialized handling equipment for small ruminants and bovine, ensuring that all food animals receive the best possible care.
Dr. Robert Smith, NIFA national program leader in the Division of Animal Systems, emphasized the importance of such initiatives. "Food animal veterinarians are critical to maintaining a healthy, secure, and safe food supply, especially in rural communities," he said. The Veterinary Services Grant Program (VSGP), which funded Cambria Veterinary Care, aims to relieve veterinarian shortages and enhance veterinary services across the country.
In 2023, the VSGP distributed over $3.8 million in grants, with similar funding expected for 2024. This support is vital for expanding access to veterinary services and ensuring that livestock and equine communities thrive.
Dr. Vena envisions a bright future, not just for Cambria Veterinary Care but for the entire region. "We're committed to growing and expanding our services, prioritizing education and community engagement to spark interest in large animal veterinary medicine and agriculture," she said. By collaborating with agricultural leaders, educators, producers, and the next generation of veterinary professionals, Cambria Veterinary Care aims to bolster agriculture, improve animal welfare, and enhance the local economy.
With the backing of the USDA and the commitment of its dedicated staff, Cambria Veterinary Care is set to redefine rural veterinary services, paving the way for a healthier future for the area's livestock and the people who rely on them.
