Health Canada is proposing new measures to deal with the use of antimicrobial drugs in food-producing animals.
The stated goal is to minimize the global emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance and conserve the effectiveness of available antimicrobials.
The measures include amendments to the regulations involving personal use importation of veterinary drugs and the importation of veterinary active pharmaceutical ingredients.
The response from the Canadian Cattlemen's Association and Chicken Farmers of Canada has so far been positive.
CCA officials point out the proposed measures were developed through consultation with industry and other stakeholders.
The cattlemen's group says the proposals are consistent with the CCA's position regarding own use imports and active pharmaceutical ingredients.
The CCA's statement argues federal government surveillance showing very low antimicrobial resistance in Canadian cattle and beef shows the country's cattle producers use antimicrobials prudently.
Chicken Farmers of Canada points out that the use of antimicrobials obtained through own-use importation and the use of active pharmaceutical ingredients has not been permitted for Canadian chicken farmers since 2009.
Health Canada officials say they will continue to engage partners and stakeholders while the proposed amendments to the Food and Drug Regulations are being developed and further actions on antimicrobial resistance are being implemented.
