Participating veterinarians felt that they would derive substantial benefit from the
opportunity to continually update their expertise in this rapidly changing environment
of appropriate antibiotic use through CE. This education could include topics such as
rationale for appropriate antibiotic choices and use, mechanisms and implications of
antibiotic resistance, pharmacology, SOPs, how to educate producers, surveillance
data on antibiotic use, changes in sensitivity patterns and trends in antibiotic resistance.
In addition, opportunities and best practices for educating producers, as well as the
establishment of an appropriate VCPR, were thought to be important topics for the CE
programs for veterinarians.
QUALITY
ASSURANCE
FOR
VETERINARIANS
Participating veterinarians felt that there was a role for the CVO in the assurance to
the public of appropriate use of antibiotics by Ontario veterinarians in food-producing
animal practice. Ontario veterinarians are self-regulated under the Veterinarians Act,
1990 through the CVO, whose principal objective is to regulate the practice of veterinary
medicine and to govern its members, in order that the public interest may be served
and protected. The CVO has an additional objective to establish, maintain and develop
standards of knowledge and skill among Ontario veterinarians.
It was suggested by some that ongoing CE regarding antibiotic use could be required
for continued licensure with the CVO, as it is in some other provinces. Further, guidelines
on antibiotic use could be updated and enforced. Some participating veterinarians also
suggested that there could be increased surveillance and monitoring of antibiotic use
and prescribing in veterinary practices, with a requirement to report on an annual basis.
A few also felt that CVO could enforce the requirement for a VCPR. CVO could provide
support to veterinarians by creating documents outlining decision cascades and other
aspects of appropriate antibiotic dispensing.
With respect to providing antibiotics to food-producing animals, some participating
veterinarians suggested that the potential perceived conflict of interest inherent in
prescribing antibiotics could be addressed by ensuring prescribing is separate from
drug sale profits with a decreased reliance on antibiotic sales for veterinary income. As
well, rebate programs for antibiotic purchases could be restricted. Further, consideration
could be made of the possibility of imposing financial penalties on veterinarians that
prescribe high levels of antibiotics.
Participating veterinarians felt
that they would derive substantial
benefit from the opportunity
to continually update their
expertise in this rapidly changing
environment of appropriate
antibiotic use through continuing
education.
As part of this initiative, it was suggested that the veterinary student curriculum have an
increased emphasis on appropriate use of antibiotics and the development of antibiotic
resistance.
49
Antibiotic Use in Food-Producing Animals in Ontario: A Study of the Current Practises and Perceptions of Ontario Veterinarians