EDUCATION &
LIAISON
Key Stakeholders
Liaising with key stakeholders could involve the formation of industry working groups
including the identified key stakeholders, who would meet formally on a regular basis.
This would allow for the sharing of information with veterinarians identified as supporters
with expertise. As well, it would enable the development of a unified strategy with
collaboration to meet common goals. Consistent terminology could be developed;
stakeholders could be educated through education materials provided on an ongoing
basis and the perception that veterinarians are barriers to antibiotic access could be
addressed. It was suggested that CVO would have a role in encouraging the education
of key stakeholders.
Participating veterinarians expressed their willingness to assume a teaching role in an
education/liaison effort.
General Public
The perceptions and knowledge of the general public was recognized as an important
aspect that would support appropriate use of antibiotics. An understanding of the
views of the public and an ongoing effort to monitor public opinion was encouraged.
Participating veterinarians also suggested that there be input in to advertising integrity,
holding food companies accountable for their claims about food safety and antibiotic use.
Participating veterinarians suggested that a consortium of the food-producing animal
industries could initiate and enhance public liaison and education about antibiotic use in
food animal production systems through media education. These efforts could include
discussions and explanations as to why antibiotics are used, animal welfare and food
safety implications of antibiotic use, results of monitoring and surveillance programs and
other key topics. Regulatory agencies could outline the necessary steps for antibiotic use
and the repercussions resulting from misuse of antibiotics.
Veterinarians expressed their
willingness to assume a teaching
role in an education/liaison effort.
Participating veterinarians expressed their willingness to assume a teaching role in this
education/liaison effort.
Government
A critical component of this public education initiative would be to identify appropriate
government officials, and to initiate meetings to share information. This would include the
federal government, the provincial government, the PHAC, and