College of Veterinarians of Ontario launches antimicrobial project

Guelph – The College of Veterinarians of Ontario is launching a project to study the use of antimicrobial pharmaceuticals among food animal veterinarians.

“This is an exciting opportunity for the College to work with veterinarians on an issue that is important to the public and for animal health,” said Dr. Liz Saul, President of the College.

The College was approved for funding assistance through Growing Forward 2 (GF2) to explore the use of antimicrobials and how the current practice of Ontario veterinarians incorporates the prudent use guideline established by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) in 2009.
The results of the study will detail current prescribing practices and identify key challenges veterinarians face in adhering to the CVMA’s national guideline.

“The use of antimicrobials is a concern for food animals and also for human health. Animals and humans are becoming increasingly resistant to antimicrobial pharmaceuticals and there’s the added concern of pharmaceutical residue in the food chain,” said Jan Robinson, College Registrar and Chief Executive Officer.

The CVMA’s guideline on the prudent use of antimicrobials in food animals was implemented in 2009. However, it is unknown whether the benchmark is used in daily practice in Ontario. With animals and humans becoming increasingly resistant to antimicrobials, it is imperative to analyze the current use patterns. It is hoped that once these patterns are understood that Ontario veterinarians will be further equipped to continue as leaders in the concept of One Health.

“Veterinarians are central to animal health and also to food safety. This is an opportunity for veterinarians to share their knowledge and skills and to identify and address any gaps that may exist between prescribing practices and public safety,” said Robinson.

“The College is proud to lead this project and looks forward to sharing the results with the veterinary profession, producers and government to ensure the public interest remains at the forefront of prescribing practices,” she added.

The College protects and serves the public interest through the regulation of the practice of veterinary medicine. Accordingly, veterinarians are licensed, facilities are accredited, standards and policies are developed and maintained, and an investigations and resolutions process is available. The College licenses approximately 4,500 veterinarians and accredits over 2,100 facilities in Ontario.

This project was funded in part through GF2, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. The Agricultural Adaptation Council assists in the delivery of GF2 in Ontario.

Source: AAC