Washington — American veterinary colleges are not producing enough new veterinarians to protect the nation’s food supply and prevent the spread of animal-borne diseases, according to a report released today by the Government Accountability Office.

The country’s 28 veterinary colleges combine to graduate 2,500 new professionals each year, the report says, but that limited corps of veterinarians is failing to meet the nationwide demand for animal-health specialists, especially those who “care for animals raised for food, serve in rural communities, and have training in public health.” The shortage is expected to worsen in coming years as the need for trained veterinarians continues to grow.

“Veterinarians play a vital role in the defense against animal diseases — whether naturally or intentionally introduced,” the report says, “and these diseases can cause serious harm to human health and the economy.” —Steve Kolowich