Dear Sir,
It is with great interest that I read the Special Report from Health Canada regarding the extra-label drug use in food-producing animals. I applaud the authors for their vision in ensuring the prudent use of drugs in the livestock industry. The report gives the impression that the Government of Canada believes that veterinarians are well-positioned to safeguard the use of pharmaceuticals in the livestock industry, which is similar to the views of the Alberta Veterinary Medical Association. However, this vision seems contrary to the “Own Use Importation” of pharmaceuticals from the United States, whereby veterinarians may not have any input on the use of drugs in the human food supply. This could leave the decision regarding the use of drugs to the livestock producer who may be conflicted in what he/she views as necessary for livestock treatment or production, versus what is in the best interest of the public. If “Own Use” is interpreted to mean that these are animals that will only be consumed by the producer and his/her family, I may be okay with that. If, however, it means that the animals will be consumed by the unknowing public, I am not. It is time for Health Canada to be consistent with their policies.