[The veterinarian in the agricultural and food-supplying industries (author's transl)].

The major importance of the livestock industry in the Netherlands is apparent from the following facts. Over 250,000 jobs, roughly 9,600 million guilders' worth of exports in 1977 and roughly 11,000 million guilders' worth of annual sales to home consumers. A healthy livestock population is essential. Approximately 2,000 veterinarians have considerably assisted in achieving these aims. This made possible economics of scale and strengthening the international competitive position. Curing animals has been robbed of much of its importance, whereas prevention of diseases has become essential. To maintain the quality of products, improvement of legislation concerning the supply of drugs, antibiotics, etc., is imperative. This includes a well-defined Veterinary Surgeons Act. The major importance of disease prevention requires more extensive knowledge of the veterinarian. Specialization has also become increasingly necessary. Especially in employment, the future offers many possibilities for veterinarians, national as well as international. In particular fields such as the Veterinary Service and the Meat Inspection Service, the monopolistic position of the veterinarian may be impaired. In the light of these facts, it should be considered whether adjustment and widening of the training in Utrecht is not desirable.