The National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) Foundation has received a three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to introduce veterinary students to careers in state and regulatory veterinary medicine, addressing workforce needs in animal disease prevention and agricultural biosecurity. The award, provided through USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture Veterinary Services Grant Program, will fund the project, Strengthening the Regulatory Veterinary Workforce. The initiative will support nine veterinary students through paid, 10- to 12-week summer internships in State Animal Health Official offices, with three students participating annually. Through hands-on experience and mentorship, interns will gain exposure to responsibilities including disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and response, animal health programs, regulatory activities, and stakeholder engagement. Participating state animal health offices will host and mentor students, while the NASDA Foundation will coordinate recruitment, placements and program support. Bigstock Students will also have access to professional development and networking opportunities through programs such as NASDA Next Generation, connecting them with state agriculture leaders, peers, and agricultural professionals. The initiative aims to expand awareness of regulatory veterinary career pathways and strengthen the workforce responsible for protecting animal health, supporting livestock producers and safeguarding the nation's food supply. “Many veterinary students have limited opportunities to explore the range of careers available in state and regulatory veterinary medicine,” says Chris Jones, senior director of the NASDA Foundation, in a statement. “This program will give students firsthand experience working alongside state animal health professionals and help them see how their veterinary training can contribute to public service.” Nevada Agriculture Director J.J. Goicoechea, DVM, highlighted the importance of workforce development, particularly in states experiencing veterinary shortages. He said hands-on experiences can shape career trajectories, build essential competencies, and strengthen the veterinary workforce supporting animal well-being and agriculture. The project also seeks to prepare future veterinarians for roles in responding to animal disease threats that can affect livestock populations, agricultural markets and rural communities.
