Canada's Chief Veterinary Officer highlights the importance of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week 2022

November 18, 2022 – Ottawa, Ontario

Dr. Mary Jane Ireland, Canada's Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), issued the following statement today in recognition of World Antimicrobial Awareness Week:

Despite new and emerging threats to human health, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) remains one of the top 10 global health threats facing humanity. World Antimicrobial Awareness Week (WAAW) takes place from November 18 to 24 and reminds us that we all have a role to play in reducing the impact of AMR. For this year's WAAW, the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH, founded as OIE) and partners have chosen the theme 'Preventing antimicrobial resistance together'.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), along with other Government of Canada partners, remains committed to tackling AMR through the Pan-Canadian Framework for Action focused on surveillance, research, and responsible stewardship of antimicrobials in humans, plants, and animals to strengthen Canada's ability to combat the risks of AMR in a coordinated, multi-sectoral and effective manner.

Addressing antimicrobial resistance requires a One Health approach which recognizes the interconnections between people, animals, plants, and their shared environment. The CFIA is working with federal partners, provincial and territorial authorities, veterinarians and livestock producers to keep animals healthy, and promote the responsible use of antimicrobials to preserve their effectiveness for future generations. CFIA's actions include:

• Working with partners to raise awareness of AMR and advance understanding of new antimicrobials and alternatives to using antimicrobials in human and veterinary medicine. 
• Providing veterinary professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed decisions on antimicrobial use in a wide range of species.
• Facilitating access to alternatives to using antimicrobials in livestock production, such as vaccinations and innovative feed products to boost animal nutrition and reduce the likelihood of infections.
• Developing national biosecurity standards, protocols and strategies designed to protect animal resources in collaboration with producer organizations, provincial and territorial governments, and academia.

Our collective action is important, as antimicrobial drugs are needed to protect the health of people, animals and our shared environment. Individual actions can greatly impact the global environment, including understanding the causes and impacts of AMR and which bacteria and illnesses are antibiotic-resistant. This week provides an opportunity to learn, listen and to reflect on the progress that has been made to combat AMR, and the work ahead.