I am proud to be a CFIA veterinarian – here's why

By Mary Jane Ireland
Chief Veterinary Officer and Delegate to the World Organisation for Animal Health

It's no secret that veterinarians love animals. I came into the profession drawn by a passion for horses and reading (and re-reading) books written by James Herriot.

I have found great joy in the opportunity to care for animals and promote their health and wellbeing. But being a veterinarian also provides an opportunity to protect the health of people and the environment.

There are close links between the health of animals, people and the environment. Animal health is an important contributor to food safety and human health. Canada's veterinary professionals occupy a unique role as part of a "One Health" approach.

I'd like to acknowledge the incredible dedication and professionalism of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency's (CFIA) veterinarians and all of our colleagues across the Agency. CFIA employees have worked tirelessly to prevent and/or control diseases such as avian influenza, foot-and-mouth disease, African swine fever and SARS-CoV-2 in animals, to name just a few. They have also been at the front lines of daily operations, supporting animal welfare, food safety, and directly responding to outbreaks.

I appreciate the work of everyone who contributes to the Agency's mandate, and I am proud to be a CFIA vet.

If you are a practising or aspiring veterinarian, you can be a part of this rewarding work too! There is so much variety in what we do, from animal disease control to biosecurity and import and export regulation, and emergency response.

We come together as a diverse group of people who are passionate about contributing to the health of animals, the public and the environment.

Learn more about the work of our veterinarians and how you can apply to join our team.

Learn more

• Dr. Mary Jane Ireland, Chief Veterinary Officer and Delegate to the World Organisation for Animal Health
• Veterinarians at the CFIA
• Why the CFIA advocates prudent use of antimicrobial drugs
• The CFIA leads a new approach to One Health risk assessment for SARS-CoV-2