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Archived - Antimicrobial resistance highlighted for World Veterinary Day

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Statement from Canada’s Chief Veterinary Officer

OTTAWA, April 27, 2012: April 28 is World Veterinary Day and on behalf of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), I would like to recognize the contributions of veterinarians to animal and public health in Canada.

Whether they work in the public sector or in private practice, Canada’s veterinarians live out the veterinary oath on a daily basis. Veterinarians are responsible for the care of animals for production, performance, or as companions and pets. Their efforts as health professionals also impact directly on the quality, quantity and safety of food derived from animals, and on the prevalence and transmission of diseases from animals to humans and vice versa.

One of the responsibilities of veterinarians is to provide expertise on the safe use of drugs. This responsibility is highlighted in this year’s theme for World Veterinary Day -- antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobials - including antibiotics, antifungals and antivirals - have revolutionised medical and veterinary practice since their introduction more than 60 years ago. They continue to be important tools in veterinary and human medicine when used appropriately. However, their misuse presents a risk to animal and public health.

Working together with professionals in public health, veterinarians have an important role to play in ensuring the prudent use of antimicrobials in order to preserve the efficacy of these life-saving drugs for both animal and human use.

The CFIA supports the World Veterinary Association and the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) in their advocacy for good veterinary control of the registration, import, distribution and on-farm use of antimicrobials.

For more information on World Veterinary Day, please visit www.worldvet.org.

Follow us on Twitter for the latest on animal health: www.twitter.com/CFIA_Animals.

For media inquiries

Canadian Food Inspection Agency
Media relations: 613-773-6600

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