New Mayo veterinary clinic opens its doors today

FARM Vets Balla is opening its doors to the public today (Tuesday) as the town’s first-ever veterinary practice.

The practice will offer a full suite of large animal veterinary services and round-the-clock care to the region’s farming community.

Located on the grounds of Western Farming Co-op in Lognamuck, Balla, the practice is independently owned and operated by Shane McCarvill, a well-known and experienced veterinary surgeon in the county.

The practice is dedicated exclusively to farm animals, including cattle, sheep, horses and donkeys, across the region, providing a vital 24-hour service, including routine and emergency animal care, herd health planning, and TB testing services, among others.

McCarvill said Farm Vets Balla arises from a 'very real and growing need' for accessible, independent veterinary support for farmers.

Speaking ahead of the opening, he said: “We’re exclusively focused on farm animals. That allows us to give 100% of our attention to the specific challenges and needs of farmers. Our motto is simple - by farmers, for farmers.

“I’ve seen firsthand how important timely, reliable veterinary care is for farmers, especially in rural areas such as County Mayo. Across rural Ireland, there’s a growing shortage of farm animal vets and increasing difficulty in filling those vacancies. Farm Vets Balla is committed to supporting the local farming community by providing high-quality, accessible care for their animals.”

The establishment of the business comes following the Veterinary Council of Ireland’s Workforce Report, released in May, which highlights growing pressures on the veterinary workforce, including recruitment and retention challenges in rural areas, limited out-of-hours emergency cover, and work-life balance issues.

The veterinary register has grown by 30% since 2004, yet rural areas face shortages of large-animal practitioners, essential for Ireland's agricultural sector, the VCI report says.

Conveniently situated on the N60, the main road between Castlebar and Claremorris, the practice office will be open six days a week, Monday through Saturday, with emergency cover during evenings, nights and weekends (including Sundays).

The practice’s office is 10 minutes from Castlebar and 15 minutes from Claremorris and will serve the surrounding areas.

McCarvill said Farm Vets Balla has recently received official accreditation and approval from the Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI), the statutory body responsible for the regulation and management of the practice of veterinary medicine and veterinary nursing. The approval, he said, follows a thorough inspection and confirms that the practice meets all professional, ethical and operational standards.

The VCI’s principal function is to safeguard animal health and welfare and veterinary public health in Ireland.

The practice is located at F23 RW01. While an official launch event is planned for a later date, the practice is open to the public from Tuesday, August 5.

For further information, farmers can contact Farm Vets Balla on (086) 0672121.