Source: Beef Farmers of Ontario
The Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) welcomes the investment of up to $294,314 through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership) to conduct new research on the “National Surveillance of Antimicrobial Use and Antimicrobial Resistance in Ontario Feedlot Cattle”. The BFO and the Canadian feedlot sector are committed to antimicrobial stewardship. It is hoped that the results from this study will strengthen confidence in Canada’s beef production standards and promote the safety of Canadian beef among the Canadian public, Canadian consumers and international customers.
“Canadian beef farmers work hard to ensure Canadians have the safest and highest quality product on their plates, made from sustainably raised cows. Our Government is very proud to recognize their good stewardship practices and help promote confidence in our beef domestically and internationally,” said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.
“Ontario farmers are committed to the health and safety of their animals on the farm,” said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. “Our government is proud to be part of a national initiative that will provide the key information they need to continue caring for their livestock in the best way possible.”
“Collecting antimicrobial use (AMU) and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) data from feedlots located in Ontario and other major fed cattle producing provinces, will fill a current gap in our national surveillance program,” says BFO President, Joe Hill. “There is a growing expectation that countries quantify antimicrobial use in food animal production. Monitoring and measuring antimicrobial use and resistance helps demonstrate responsible use, and only with responsible use can these products continue to be employed for food animal production.”
AMR and AMU have been a growing concern worldwide. To address this concern nationally, the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance monitors trends in AMU and AMR in selected bacterial organisms for human, animal and food sources. The goal of this research is to capture AMU in cattle on feedlot operations, and to detect changing trends in AMU and AMR over time. This national surveillance system will provide data that demonstrates responsible AMU in the Canadian feedlot sector, which will contribute to improved animal health and the continued effectiveness of antimicrobials for cattle and will assist in communication efforts aimed at maintaining a high level of antimicrobial stewardship among feedlot producers. This research aligns strongly with target research outcomes identified in Canada’s National Beef Antimicrobial Research Strategy.
This project will be led by the Public Health Agency of Canada’s “Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance” and will complement corresponding research being conducted in Alberta and Saskatchewan feedlots.
Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) is the leading organization in Ontario working with beef farmers to develop and support landmark achievements that move Ontario’s beef industry forward sustainably and profitably. BFO is involved in a wide range of issues and initiatives that are important to all stakeholders within Ontario’s beef industry, which include industry sustainability, market development, animal health and care, environment, and food safety.
