Access to veterinary care for livestock is severely limited in many parts of the world, causing preventable suffering from treatable conditions.
Veterinary access inequity means that millions of livestock in low-resource settings suffer from treatable conditions: infected wounds left untreated, dystocia without obstetric assistance, infectious diseases without vaccination or treatment, and parasitism without anthelmintics. These welfare harms occur against a backdrop where the animals are also crucial to household food security and livelihoods, creating human welfare consequences as well. Community animal health workers trained to provide basic treatments, diagnose common conditions, and refer to veterinarians for complex cases have demonstrated effectiveness across multiple countries. Digital diagnostic support, telemedicine, and affordable essential medicines expand the reach of veterinary care. Addressing livestock veterinary access gaps requires both trained personnel and supply chain solutions for medicines and equipment.