Fewer and fewer veterinary practices in MV: decline in rural areas
Large animal and livestock veterinarian Ricarda Reincke says she has observed a decline in the number of practicing veterinarians in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. There are still five other independent vets in her region around Güstrow. "But there are regions, up to Rostock, up to Stralsund, where there are already fewer. Where there are actually gaps," said Reincke.
The vet, who mainly looks after farmers, says she has not been accepting new clients for two years. "We can no longer guarantee this because we are very busy," she reported.
According to the State Veterinary Association, the number of veterinary practices in the north-east has fallen steadily over the past 20 years - from 354 owners in 2002 to 246 last year. Sparsely populated regions are particularly affected.
The decline in veterinary practices in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has led to a shortage of services in certain animal-populent areas, making it challenging for pet owners to find a vet. Ricarda Reincke, a large animal veterinarian, shares that she's noticed an increase in animal health-related concerns as a result of the scarcity in the field of medicine for animals.
Source: www.dpa.com
