Highlighting antimicrobial resistance for World Veterinary Day

April 29, 2017 – Ottawa, Ontario

Dr. Harpreet Kochhar, Chief Veterinary Officer for Canada and Delegate to the World Organisation for Animal Health, issued the following statement:

"Today, on World Veterinary Day, I would like to recognize on behalf of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) the many contributions of veterinarians to animal and public health in Canada.

Working both in private practices and in the public sector, Canadian veterinarians care for many different animals. Whether the animals are on farms or in homes as companion pets, veterinarians uphold the veterinary oath on a daily basis through their work. As health professionals, their work directly affects the quality, quantity, and safety of food derived from animals, and protects humans and animals from the transmission of diseases.

As part of their responsibilities, veterinarians provide expertise and guidelines on safe practices for the use of antimicrobials and other drugs. This year's theme for World Veterinary Day, Antimicrobial Resistance – From Awareness to Action, highlights their work in this field.

The introduction of antimicrobial drugs revolutionized healthcare, making once deadly infections relatively harmless. However, misuse and overuse of these drugs have led to increased anti-microbial resistance. Veterinarians have an important role in preserving the efficacy of these life-saving drugs by working closely with other public health professionals to promote smart and safe use of antimicrobial drugs.

The CFIA supports advocacy efforts by the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, the World Veterinary Association and the World Organisation for Animal Health for good veterinary control of the registration, import, distribution and use of antimicrobials."