A preliminary economic assessment of the veterinary profession’s value to Scotland

The steering group of Veterinary Delivery Landscape project (VDLP) indicated that a significant evidence gap existed on the economic value of the veterinary profession in Scotland. Through the Scottish Government’s Strategic Research Programme 2016 to 2021, SRUC, Scotland’s Rural College was asked to investigate the socio-economic value of the veterinary profession in Scotland. However, determining an economy-wide impact of veterinary profession requires a comprehensive economic impact assessment that was out-with the scope of this study’s budget. This short preliminary study was considered a first step in providing a framework, and initial estimates, for a more rigorous economic
impact assessment for the veterinary profession in Scotland.
The role of veterinarians in Scotland goes beyond private farming or general household clients, reaching into government, food processing industries, pet organisations, wildlife organisations, sporting animal organisations, animal welfare organisations, policing, etc. Six central categories of impacts for the veterinary profession were identified namely: 1) farm animal productivity and related industries; 2) companion animals and related industries; 3) horse and equine industry; 4) public health, hygiene and surveillance activities; 5) tourism; 6) other impacts such as environment, wild life, education, research and policy.