The final step of the CVO Project involved the solicitation of feedback on the content
of the draft CVO Project Final Report (“draft Final Report”), in particular, the suggested
actions contained therein. Receiving and assimilating feedback is seen as an important
element of this work to maximize the value of the project and to inform further efforts in
this area.
CONSULTATIONS
AND FEEDBACK
This consultative portion of the project involved circulation of the draft CVO Project Final
Report in two phases; Consultation I and Consultation II. Consultation I was conducted
in June 2015 and included electronic circulation of the draft CVO Project Final Report
to all Ontario veterinarians involved with food-producing animals. Consultation II was
conducted in July and August of 2015 and involved the electronic circulation of the
draft CVO Project Final Report to all licensed veterinarians in Ontario (including those
involved with food-producing animals and all others), as well as to a number of relevant
stakeholder groups. Additionally, the draft CVO Project Final Report was posted publicly
on the CVO website.
In Consultation I and II, respondents were directed to a brief questionnaire, which
included the opportunity to provide written comments. In addition, in Consultation II,
respondents were invited to participate in on an on-line Discussion Forum provided and
hosted by the CVO.
Survey feedback from veterinarians could not be analyzed due to the low overall
response to the feedback questionnaire. Those veterinarians that did respond indicated
that the draft Report has strong support. The majority of veterinary respondents felt the
report is clear, compelling, and comprehensive. As well, most felt that the draft Report
will engage the veterinary/producer community on the topic of antibiotic prescribing
practises. Most respondents felt that the suggested actions, including those indicated for
veterinary stewardship and veterinary Quality Assurance, are possible to implement, and
would make a positive change to the appropriate use of antibiotics in food-producing
animal medicine. However, the comments revealed concerns with some of the suggested
actions, including whether some of the suggested actions could, or should, be
implemented and whether they would have the desired impact.
The final step of the CVO Project
involved the solicitation of
feedback on the content of the
draft CVO Project Final Report.
Only one survey response was received from a farmer/producer. However, farmers/
producers were well-represented in the responses from the commodity groups.
The Ontario Veterinary Medical Association, the Beef Farmers of Ontario, the Veal
Farmers of Ontario, Ontario Goat and many veterinarians expressed a lack of support
for the suggestion regarding the requirement for a veterinarian to administer Category
I drugs. As well, there is considerable concern expressed for the suggestion of the
establishment of financial penalties for higher use of antibiotics. Generally, there is an
overall support for the need for increased research in many aspects of antibiotic use in
food-producing animals and for QA initiatives. The concept of the VCPR is supported
with the caveat that the definition needs to be clear. Increased veterinary oversight is
supported but clarity on this is needed. Finally, there is concern expressed that the report
did not represent a consensus of opinion from veterinarians, and it was suggested that
veterinarians need to agree on any final directions proposed.
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Antibiotic Use in Food-Producing Animals in Ontario: A Study of the Current Practises and Perceptions of Ontario Veterinarians