British Cattle Veterinary Association

A questionnaire was mailed to a stratified random sample of 3200 veterinary surgeons to investigate mental health and well-being among a representative sample of vets practising the UK. 1796 evaluable questionnaires were returned (response rate 56.1%). Farm animal practice was identified as the main type of work undertaken by 81 (4.5%) of respondents. There were no significant differences in the age- and gender-adjusted estimated odds of anxiety and depression caseness, at-risk drinking, reporting suicidal thoughts in the previous 12-months, reporting high negative work-home interaction, and the level of positive mental well-being for respondents in farm animal practice compared to those in small animal practice (the reference category).