Chief Veterinary Officers from across Canada collaborate to protect animal health and welfare

October 26, 2023 - Ottawa, ON

This week, federal, provincial and territorial Chief Veterinary Officers came together to advance a range of pressing animal health issues at the 2023 Council of Chief Veterinary Officers Annual Meeting in Guelph.

The annual meeting provides an important opportunity for officials from across Canada to discuss shared challenges and opportunities on national issues of animal health and welfare, livestock production and public health. Topics on this year's agenda included Foot-and-Mouth Disease preparedness, and the status of Canada's Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine bank, chronic wasting disease, and opportunities to collaborate on One Health projects.

In addition to participating in engaging sessions, representatives had the opportunity to tour the Ontario Veterinary College Animal Hospital, Equine Guelph and the Dairy Research Centre.

Dr. Mary Jane Ireland, Canada's Chief Veterinary Officer represented the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. "The Council of Chief Veterinary Officers Annual Meeting provides a forum for veterinary leaders from across Canada to come together to broaden our network and create linkages among our work," she said. "Using an integrated One Health approach and our shared expertise, we are working together to ensure robust animal health from coast-to-coast-to-coast."

Animal health is a shared responsibility. The Council of Chief Veterinary Officers harnesses the experience and expertise of federal, provincial, territorial government veterinarians with the aim of ensuring consistency of approaches, improved information sharing, and better outcomes for animals and Canadians.