Guelph, Ont – The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) welcomes the investment of up to $294,314 through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership) to conduct new research on the “National Surveillance of Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in Ontario Feedlot Cattle”. The BFO and the Canadian feedlot sector are committed to antimicrobial stewardship. It is hoped that the results from this study will strengthen confidence in Canada’s beef production standards and promote the safety of Canadian beef among the Canadian public, Canadian consumers and
international customers.
“Canadian beef farmers work hard to ensure Canadians have the safest and highest quality product on their plates, made from sustainably raised cows. Our Government is very proud to recognize their good stewardship practices and help promote confidence in our beef domestically and internationally,” said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
“Ontario farmers are committed to the health and safety of their animals on the farm,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Our government is proud to be part of a national initiative that will provide the key information they need to continue caring for their livestock in the best way possible.”
“Collecting antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data from feedlots located in Ontario and other major fed cattle producing provinces, will fill a current gap in our national surveillance program,” says BFO President, Joe Hill. “There is a growing expectation that countries quantify antimicrobial use in food animal production. Monitoring and measuring antimicrobial use and resistance helps demonstrate responsible use, and only with responsible use can these products continue to be employed for food animal production.”
Source : BFO