Demand for veterinary services in Cambodia: Determining factors and differing roles of service providers

Effective veterinary services are crucial for protecting public health and agricultural livelihoods, especially in low- and middle-income countries where livestock is a crucial economic asset to households. This study investigates the demand for veterinary services among smallholder livestock producers in Cambodia, determining factors that influence service utilisation, and the differing roles of service providers. Data collectors interviewed 1528 smallholder livestock keeping households across ten provinces of Cambodia. The study utilised multivariate probit models to analyse key determinants influencing service utilisation patterns, including accessibility, socio-economic variables, livestock type, and perceptions. Accessibility and utilisation of veterinary services remain low, with only 49.4 % of households reporting access to any provider, and only 18.5 % reporting use of services in the last year. Village Animal Health Workers (VAHWs) are the most accessible (36.1 %) and most used (12.4 %) service providers. Poultry is the most raised livestock (86 %) by households but remains critically underserved despite its importance to household food security and zoonotic disease prevention. Only 15 % of veterinary services were delivered to poultry. These results highlight the pivotal role played by VAHWs in the veterinary health system as the most accessible and frequently used veterinary service providers. The findings of this study underscore the necessity of strengthening the veterinary health system by improving VAHW capacity and enhancing service accessibility, particularly for underserved livestock like poultry. These interventions are crucial for mitigating zoonotic disease risks and aligning with the One Health approach to veterinary public health. • Village Animal Health Workers (VAHWs) are the most accessible service providers. • 51 % of surveyed smallholders lack access to any veterinary service provider. • Poultry is the most common livestock kept but receives the least veterinary care. • VAHWs and veterinarians are substitutes; VAHWs are preferred when both are available. • Preventive care is underutilised, and curative treatments dominate veterinary care.