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college connection RESEARCH College releases report on antibiotic use among food animal veterinarians The College has released the final report on its project which studied the antibiotic prescribing patterns in food animal medicine. Read the report “With antimicrobial resistance emerging as an important animal and public health concern, this report is a compilation of the expertise that exists among food animal veterinarians in Ontario,” said Dr. Jennifer Day, president of the College. “The College is pleased to have the opportunity to work in collaboration with veterinarians on this important issue.” Watch a webinar summarizing the report The report, “Antibiotic Use in Food-Producing Animals in Ontario: A Study of the Current Practises and Perceptions of Ontario Veterinarians,” includes the research gathered through a background review, a survey of food-producing animal veterinarians, facilitated discussions and broad consultations. In March 2014, the College received funding to study the antibiotic prescribing patterns of veterinarians practising in food animal medicine. The aim of the project was to identify opportunities to engage veterinary stewardship and promote prudent use. “This project marks the beginning of a conversation with food-producing animal veterinarians on the relationship between public health and antibiotic use in animal care. It is important for the profession to define its challenges and responsibilities in the veterinary stewardship of antibiotic use in Ontario,” said www.cvo.org/ Final-Report www.cvo.org/ video Jan Robinson, the College’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer. During the project, all suggested actions were grouped under four themes: • Legislation and Regulation Looking ahead ... Save the Date — The College is hosting its Members’ Forum and Annual General Meeting on January 27, 2016, beginning at 5 p.m. The theme for the Members’ Forum is “Boring or Invigorating: Straight Talk on the Future of Regulation and Veterinary Medicine in Ontario.” The meeting will be held in Toronto, in conjunction with the OVMA conference. Watch for details! • Education and Liaison • Research and Surveillance • Quality Assurance “Veterinarians have the training and expertise to be the stewards of antibiotic use in foodproducing animals. Throughout the project, Ontario veterinarians demonstrated enthusiastic willingness to help ensure antibiotic use in foodproducing animals is prudent and sustainable,” said Robinson. The project has received recognition provincially and nationally. Council is supporting a second proposal which would build on the data that was gathered and assist the food animal veterinary community in identifying the actions to pursue. Consultations — Consultations are an important part of the College’s work in policy development and determining where the College focuses its priorities. The College recently launched an online consultation tool which is one of the options for providing feedback on draft policy and by-law amendments. To ensure transparency and encourage open dialogue, the feedback the College receives may be posted on the website in accordance with posting guidelines. Check out current consultations at: www.cvo.org/public-consultations This project was funded in part through Growing Forward "