Howard County veterinarian Dr. Jessica Stroupe recently traveled to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal lawmakers and advocate for policies supporting veterinarians and livestock producers.

Dr. Stroupe is a mixed veterinarian serving rural communities. She operates the Howard County Veterinary Service just north of Fayette. She joined leaders from the American Veterinary Medical Association along with industry representatives from Missouri to discuss the growing shortage of veterinarians in rural communities and legislative solutions that support animal health, food safety, and the agricultural economy.

The group met with several members of Missouri’s congressional delegation, including Congressman Mark Alford (MO-4), to discuss issues affecting rural veterinary medicine and livestock producers across the state.

One key topic involved the Rural Veterinary Workforce Act, bipartisan bill in the U.S. Congress aimed at ending federal taxation on funds awarded through the Veterinary Medicine Loan Repayment Program (VMLRP). Currently, veterinarians who commit to serving in federally designated shortage areas receive loan repayment assistance, but a significant portion of those funds must be used to cover federal taxes. Eliminating that tax burden would allow more of the funding to go directly toward recruiting and retaining veterinarians in rural and underserved areas.

Dr. Stroupe and two veterinary students from the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine discussed the impact of the program on rural veterinary access with Rep. Alford. Following those discussions, he agreed to co-sponsor the legislation.

The delegation also discussed the Combating Illicit Xylazine Act, which aims to address the growing misuse of xylazine in the illicit drug supply while preserving access for legitimate veterinary use.

Xylazine is an essential medication in veterinary medicine and is currently the only safe and labeled sedative for use in cattle. Maintaining legal veterinary access is critical for farmers and ranchers who rely on veterinarians to safely perform procedures and treat livestock.

After meeting with Dr. Stroupe and the veterinary students, Rep. Alford also agreed to co-sponsor this legislation.

Dr. Stroupe said the visit highlighted the importance of veterinarians participating in policy discussions that affect animal health, agriculture, and rural communities.

“Veterinarians play a vital role not only in caring for animals but also in supporting food production and rural economies,” she said. “Advocating for policies that help veterinarians serve rural America ultimately benefits farmers, ranchers, and the communities that depend on them.”