Earlier this year, the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) informed you of a national survey on extra-label drug use (ELDU) being conducted by Health Canada's Veterinary Drugs Directorate (VDD).
The objective of this study was to gather up-to-date and comprehensive information and understanding of the nature and scope, as well as the impacts, of both label and extra-label drug use in animals in Canada, to highlight areas for further consultation, and allow the VDD to identify gaps in the accessibility of veterinary drugs.
This was the first time in Canada that such a study had been undertaken. Unforseen complexities arose relating to logistics, the quality of output, and funding, which caused the VDD to review its decision to proceed with the fieldwork at this time. As the first study of its kind in Canada, it is important that it be done correctly in order for the data to be used now and as a foundation for future work.
The temporary suspension of fieldwork will cause some delays in completing this initiative. However, the VDD will continue to work with Steering Committee members, as well as with other stakeholders and federal, provincial, and territorial partners, to develop an alternative, cost-effective approach to gathering more data. Results from the pilot studies that have been completed will help to guide decisions about future work in this area.
The CVMA continues to provide expert advice and guidance to the VDD on this project. Drs. Christiane Gagnon and Tim Guichon are the CVMA representatives on the Steering Committee.
(by Suzanne Lavictoire, Director, CVMA Programs)