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Pennsylvania veterinarians’ opinions on controlled drugs

Julie Yingling, Ph.D., associate professor of criminal justice at Lycoming College, is currently conducting a survey on Pennsylvania veterinarians’ opinions on controlled drugs, with a goal to learn more about what veterinarians across the state think about the opioid epidemic and xylazine issues.

The survey will be conducted in waves across the state of Pennsylvania, with the following counties currently being suveyed.

• Lehigh County
• Northampton County

The survey takes about 15 minutes to complete. Veterinarians from these counties may access the survey until May 1, 2024: bit.ly/3ETgQdG. Check back for more information about the next survey wave,

Survey Response Rates

Of the 434 veterinarians randomly selected and contacted from Bucks, Delaware, and Philadelphia counties, 48 completed the survey (response rate =11%).

Most (92%) veterinarians prescribe opioids and 86% prescribe take-home opioids. Most veterinarians (73%) have never used xylazine but 39% are aware of xylazine being diverted from veterinary practices for illicit use.

Check back for more updates on survey response rates as additional survey waves are completed.

Click here to access IRB documentation.

Yingling works with her upperclass Research Methods students to formulate additional questions, compile survey targets, and manage the distribution of surveys and data collection process. Students use their survey experiences to write papers for publication, and poster presentations for submission to regional and national criminal justice-related conferences and symposiums. Students are also welcome to note their involvement on resumes and graduate school applications.