[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 7 (Thursday, January 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E73]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    ON INTRODUCING THE WILDLIFE AND ZOOLOGICAL VETERINARY MEDICINE 
                        ENHANCEMENT ACT OF 2010

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                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 21, 2010

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce the 
Wildlife and Zoological Veterinary Medicine Enhancement Act of 2010. 
This legislation will develop affordable opportunities for well 
qualified individuals who are seeking to become wildlife and zoological 
veterinarians, spur job growth and promote robust public health policy.
  Wildlife and zoo veterinarians are the primary source of essential 
health care for and management of wild animals in their natural habitat 
and in captivity. Not only do they preserve natural resources and 
animal lives, but they help protect human health by preventing, 
detecting, and responding to exotic and dangerous diseases.
  With the intensification of globalization and climate change, along 
with a growing interface between humans, livestock, and wildlife, the 
threat posed by emerging infectious diseases to humans and wildlife 
keeps increasing. Controlling pandemic and large-scale outbreaks of 
disease has become more problematic. However, the United States faces a 
shortage of positions for wildlife and zoo veterinarians.
  On average, veterinarian graduates owe $130,000 in student loans. 
Upon graduation, professionals practicing wildlife and zoological 
veterinary medicine earn relatively low salaries, compared to companion 
animal medicine. Lower salaries, combined with high educational debt 
and the small number of positions available discourage students from 
becoming wildlife and zoo veterinarians. The number of practical 
trainings and formal educational programs specializing in wildlife and 
zoological veterinary medicine are also insufficient to allow graduates 
to make significant contributions.
  My bill will directly address these issues which prevent and dissuade 
veterinarians from practicing wildlife and zoological medicine. It will 
participate in the national job creation effort by funding new 
positions for wildlife and zoo veterinarians and will ensure that 
veterinary students find jobs upon graduation. The bill will also limit 
the amount of educational debt for students while providing incentives 
to study and practice wildlife and zoo veterinary medicine through the 
establishment of scholarships and loan repayment programs. Lastly, my 
legislation will advance education by helping schools develop pilot 
curricula specializing in wildlife and zoo veterinary medicine and by 
expanding the number of practical training programs available to 
students.
  Madam Speaker, we have reached a point in our history when we cannot 
ignore the importance of protecting America's wildlife. Wild animals 
are a very important part of our commonly held natural resources and 
contribute to maintaining a balanced ecosystem. With an increasing 
number of endangered species, the introduction of invasive non-native 
species, and more infectious disease threats, wildlife and zoological 
veterinarians must be placed at the core of our efforts and be given 
the resources and recognition necessary to protect both animal and 
human lives.
  I urge my colleagues to extend a helping hand to America's 
veterinarians by supporting this important piece of legislation.

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