The veterinary industry has been facing a shortage of registered veterinary professionals throughout the province of Alberta. There are more than 840 current vacancies in Alberta alone. In June 2020, the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association (ABVMA) and the Alberta Veterinary Technologist Association (ABVTA) together with the Government of Alberta, partnered to commission a workforce study. The 2020 workforce study revealed growing concern around industry workforce shortages. If left unaddressed, these shortages can pose a risk to animal welfare, agricultural production, food security, and public health.

In humans the pandemic is showing signs of ebbing. In white-tailed deer and other wildlife, however, infections appear widespread. In 2020, Denmark culled millions of mink to quell a source of zoonotic COVID-19 transmission, the passage of the SARS-CoV-2 virus between humans and animals. Last year, zoo animals including lions, tigers, and gorillas got sick with the virus, presumably infected by their keepers. And earlier this year, pet hamsters were implicated in precipitating a new outbreak in Hong Kong.

Coming on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, the survey can serve as an important benchmark in the health of the equine industry now and in the future.

“HAPPY HORSES” Fundraising Campaign Amid COVID-19 Lockdown - Sunrise Therapeutic Riding & Learning Centre of Puslinch, Ontario is a registered charity and a member of the Canadian Therapeutic Riding Association (CanTRA).