Riau needs more vets

PEKANBARU, Riau: The province needs at least 20 more veterinarians in view of the increased population of animals, according to the chief of the animal husbandry office.

Bachtiar Moerad said qualified veterinarians are needed to run some of the clinics and slaughterhouses owned by the government.

Because of the shortages, some of these clinics are administered by people of lesser qualifications, or are overseen by the temporary veterinarians, Bachtiar said.

The additions are needed because the rising population of cattle and domestic fowl also raises the possibility of disease, he said. The fastest increase is seen in the cattle numbers, from only 50,000 in 1989 to 100,000 at present, he added. (emb)