Today, Health Canada took a key step forward in protecting Canadians against the increasing risk of antimicrobial resistance. The department is seeking feedback on a regulatory proposal that would strengthen rules governing the importation, sale and use of antimicrobial drugs in livestock.
Antimicrobial resistance occurs when an antimicrobial drug – an antibiotic, antifungal or antiviral drug – is no longer effective at controlling an infection it was once used to treat. This can cause an increased risk of infection, longer infection times, and a greater risk of death.
The decreasing effectiveness of antimicrobial drugs is having a significant impact on our ability to protect Canadians from infectious diseases. It also has profound impacts on our healthcare system, global trade, agriculture, environment and health sectors.
The proposed changes to the Food and Drug Regulations would restrict the importation of certain veterinary drugs, require drug manufacturers to follow stricter rules, require provision of sales information to regulators to allow for improved monitoring of antimicrobial use, and introduce an easier way for manufacturers to sell low-risk veterinary health products. This proposed regulatory action is a priority under the Federal Action Plan on Anti-Microbial Resistance.
Canadians will be consulted on the proposed regulatory changes for a 75 day consultation period, ending on September 8, 2016. This proposal will be published in the Canada Gazette, Part I, on July 2, 2016.
Source: AAFC