11 | CVO ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Promoting the importance of One Health
The College recognizes the importance of broader animal and human health initiatives within its work. A One Health approach to public policy is increasingly recognized for its importance for animals, humans and the environment. The College is attentive to how veterinary regulation intersects with a broad array of evolving issues and remains committed to influencing discussion and action.
• Antimicrobial stewardship: Veterinarians and their prescribing practices are in the middle of the solution to antimicrobial resistance. Veterinary medicine is part of a national set of strategies to reduce the use of human medically important antimicrobials in the prevention and treatment of animals where possible. The College is in the midst of its latest project on this topic which includes a review of best practices in stewardship, as well as conducting focus groups to better understand barriers to achieving meaningful results in veterinary prescribing to support antimicrobial stewardship.
• Matawa First Nations: Over the past year, the College has been collaborating with the Matawa First Nations on improving access to veterinary services in nine northern Ontario remote indigenous communities. An Advisory Circle, composed of a range of community partners met on seven occasions and proposed initiatives which provide for herd health and an individual animal health approach to care. In September, the College Council was pleased to approve tactics which include revising existing and introducing new College resources, introducing resources for veterinary teams, as well as assisting Matawa to measure and support the work for the future. The College welcomes the opportunity to partner with the Matawa First Nations on this important work.
• Emergency preparedness: The College staff reviewed the proposed amendments to the Ontario Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and have connected with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness to discuss how the College can provide support in emergencies.