The responses to the CVO Survey and the outcome of the CVO Facilitated Discussions
indicate a strong concern on the part of many Ontario veterinarians regarding increased
resistance of bacteria to antibiotics and its impact on human and animal health and
welfare. Participating veterinarians, through suggested actions for change, have touched
on many aspects of antibiotic use.
VETERINARY
STEWARDSHIP
The veterinarians that participated in the CVO Project emphatically expressed their
willingness to share their expertise, and to be an important source of information
regarding antibiotic use in food-producing animals. Although veterinarians cannot directly
influence all of the suggested actions that they have made, they can support initiatives
and have direct impact on many.
Veterinarians are uniquely trained and positioned to be the stewards of antibiotic use in
food-producing animals. Participants in the CVO Project indicated that their own quality
assurance efforts would fulfill a fundamental role in facilitating the public trust required for
veterinary stewardship of antibiotic use in food-producing animals in Ontario.
Stewardship implies oversight of antibiotic usage to ensure that it is appropriate in all
circumstances. As stewards of antibiotic use, participating veterinarians support their
appropriate use in food-producing animal practice. This would include taking steps to
spare the use of antibiotics by promoting husbandry practices that maximize animal
health and comfort, and minimize a reliance on antibiotics. Through the provision of
vaccination protocols, effective infection control strategies and advice on facility design
that ensures a stress-free environment, veterinarians can lead efforts to reduce the need
for antibiotic use in food animal production. Choice of antibiotic would be science-based
and all antibiotics, including those considered of great importance in human medicine,
would be used sparingly and thoughtfully. All use of antibiotics would involve careful
consideration of alternatives and whether or not an antibiotic is indicated, choice of the
most appropriate drug based on labeling, pathogen, infection site and other factors, and
would include a valid VCPR.
The veterinarians that
participated in the CVO Project
emphatically expressed their
willingness to share their
expertise, and to be an important
source of information regarding
antibiotic use in food-producing
animals.
Many veterinarians involved in this study support a role in liaising with, and educating,
producers, key sta