The Canadian pork industry has long recognized the importance of responsible use of antimicrobials and will be reviewing the proposed changes to the Food and Drug Regulations that were published in the Canada Gazette, Part I on July 2, 2016.
Through the industry’s on farm food safety Pig Safe Canada Program that falls under the Canadian Pork Excellence Platform, producers follow best practices on antimicrobial use, work with herd health veterinarians and keep records on medication used.
CPC believes the use of antibiotics is an important tool for the welfare of the animal and herd management. Our goal is to produce safe food while reducing the need for antibiotics. The pork industry remains focused on ways of reducing the need by investing in the Canadian Pork Excellence platform in areas such as Pig Safe and PigTrace, increased biosecurity, co-ordination, and communication. Producers are also investing in research to develop a set of tools that will arm the Canadian swine industry with the necessary information to develop targeted and more effective treatment strategies specific to each disease situation.
As part of a global initiative to address the growing public health problem of antimicrobial resistance, the hog industry understands that more can be done. Enhance surveillance system to monitor antimicrobial uses and resistance, attention to alternatives and continued focus on responsible use is critical.
The CPC supports the work of the National Farmed Animal Health and Welfare Council and the recommendations provided to Canadian animal agriculture stakeholders in the Council’s Antimicrobial Stewardship in Food Animal in Canada document.
The industry looks forward to continuing to work with stakeholders to see that antimicrobials needed to protect both human and animal health continues to be available and effective.
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