Antimicrobial Resistance and animals: Background

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is an emerging global health issue that, if not addressed, may evolve into one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide.

AMR is a deeply debated subject, not only in Canada, but internationally. There are varied opinions, perceptions and approaches involved in assessing and managing AMR. Health Canada is working with provincial, national and international partners to find solutions to the challenges posed by this issue. Advisory Committees are established to provide expert advice to Health Canada on a number of issues, including AMR. Any decisions taken by the Government of Canada in this regard are based on the most accurate Canadian interpretation of available scientific evidence.

• Update: Notice to Stakeholders: Collaborative efforts to promote the prudent use of medically-important antimicrobials (MIAs) in animals
• Notice to Stakeholders: Collaborative efforts to promote the judicious use of medically-important antimicrobial drugs in food animal production
• Letter: Advice to producers, veterinarians and animal nutritionists regarding the use of growth promoting antimicrobial drug products

Health Canada's Veterinary Drugs Directorate (VDD) is spearheading a number of activities to deal with this issue including research, surveillance, policy development and educational and outreach activities. For example, the Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS) was developed by the Public Health Agency of Canada in collaboration with Health Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and provincial partners to monitor trends in the development of AMR in the food chain.

VDD will continue its public involvement and consultation efforts to work within government, with multi-stakeholder groups, and with national and international partners to move forward on this issue. New information about AMR and our polices will be posted as it becomes available. A fact sheet For Your Information: Antimicrobial Resistance, Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Frequently Asked Questions and Antimicrobial Resistance - Debunking the Myths provide additional details on this issue.

• Results of Consultation on Health Canada's Revised Document on Antimicrobial Categorization
• Agriculture's Role in Managing Antimicrobial Resistance Conference 2005

Reports

• Antimicrobial Resistance and Use in Canada: A Federal Framework for Action
• Issue Identification Paper - Antimicrobial Resistance: Developing a Common Understanding
• Current Thinking on Risk Management Measures to Address Antimicrobial Resistance Associated with the Use of Antimicrobial Agents in Food-Producing Animals
• Release of the Final Report of the Advisory Committee on Animal Uses of Antimicrobials and Impact on Resistance and Human Health
• The Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS)