Wanted: Cow Mechanics

It appears there's a lack of large animal vets in effect these days, to the extent that it apparently threatens national security.

Already, the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service does not have enough veterinarians and "remains unable to overcome this shortage," according to the GAO.

Veterinarians are needed to identify naturally occurring diseases, but also diseases that might be the result of bio- or agro-terrorism.

"Veterinarians are the only doctors trained to protect both animal and human health," said Kim Brown Pokorny, executive director of the Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Association. "Their role in food safety and public health is crucial."