What is the role of Health Canada in controlling antimicrobial resistance stemming from animal uses?
The issue of antimicrobial resistance, and the development of an evidence-based and comprehensive regulatory policy on the same is considered one of the highest priorities for the Veterinary Drugs Directorate of Health Canada. The 1997 consensus conference on Controlling Antimicrobial Resistance: An Integrated Action Plan for Canadians, led to the establishment in 1999 of The Advisory Committee on Animal Uses of Antimicrobials and Impact on Resistance and Human Health. On June 28, 2002, the Committee submitted its final report to Health Canada’s Veterinary Drugs Directorate (VDD). The Committee’s role was to provide advice and assistance to Health Canada in the development of policy options related to animal uses of antimicrobial agents. In addition to the financial support and secretariat services provided to this Committee, VDD has been spearheading a variety of other activities aimed at developing a strategic policy framework on AMR.
