Growing Forward 2 - Final Report Project II | Page 3

MESSAGE FROM COUNCIL
The College of Veterinarians of Ontario,
in partnership with the veterinary profession,
has a unique public interest role in setting
and influencing standards in veterinary practice
as they pertain to animal and human health.
The Council of the College of Veterinarians of Ontario has been pleased to take an active leadership role in promoting the
stewardship of the appropriate use of antibiotics in veterinary medicine over the past several years. With funding support from the
governments’ Growing Forward 2 program, the College has now conducted two projects focused on antibiotic use in food-producing
animals. The first project, “Antibiotic Use in Food-Producing Animals in Ontario: A Study of the Current Practises and Perceptions
of Ontario Veterinarians”, initiated broad conversation among veterinarians and across species, and produced an expansive list of
suggested actions that clearly demonstrate the profession’s interest in being part of the solution to the growing and multifaceted
problem of antibiotic resistance.
This second project, “Setting an Action Agenda for Veterinary Stewardship of Antibiotic Use in Ontario” builds on the first and, with
the voices of veterinarians, producers and other industry representatives, has delivered strategic work plans in areas of focus that
veterinarians have indicated would make a difference. The tactics selected by veterinarians provide an opportunity for sharing best
practices and learnings, building on existing protocols and quality assurance programs, and using evidence at all levels to make
informed choices.
Every great collaboration has many champions. The College wishes to thank
• the veterinarians who have continued to actively participate in shaping the project outcomes
• the producers and industry representatives who stepped forward to share their perspectives
• the Project Advisory Group for its enthusiasm and meaningful advice
• our Research Coordinator, Dr. Steve Roche, for his skillful survey development and analysis
• our project managers, Drs. Barbara and Ken Leslie, whose dedication to the project has ensured its success
It is the aim that this body of work be a catalyst for a next layer of implementation of practical initiatives. Veterinarians, as stewards,
will continue to be engaged in multiple ways to assure the responsible prescribing and dispensing of antibiotics with an aim to reduce
the threat of resistance in both animals and humans.
Dr. M arc Marin
President
College of Veterinarians of Ontario
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Setting an Action Agenda for Veterinary Stewardship of Antibiotic Use in Food-Producing Animals in Ontario