Health Canada's Veterinary Drugs Directorate Drug Use in Animals study - Update

On October 9, 2002, Health Canada's Veterinary Drugs Directorate (VDD) awarded a contract to conduct an important national-based study to assess Drug Use in Animals in Canada. Substantiated and evidence-based data is essential to quality decision-making aimed at maintaining and promoting public health, food safety and animal health.

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 us to identify gaps in the accessibility of veterinary drugs. Extra-label drug use (ELDU), sometimes referred to as "off label use", is defined as the use of a drug product in a manner that is not consistent with what is indicated on the label, package insert of any drug product approved by Health Canada.

VDD established a Steering Committee consisting of sixteen members. The role of this Committee has been to provide expert advice and guidance to assist the contractor and VDD in various aspects of this project. The Committee has broad representation from animal industries (dairy, meat, poultry), the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and academia.

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 us to review our decision to proceed with the field work 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.

Health Canada's primary concern is the health and safety of Canadians - which includes maintaining the safety of our food. The temporary suspension of field work will cause some delays in completing this initiative, however, VDD will continue to work with our Steering Committee members, as well as 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 guide decisions about future work in this area.

Health Canada is aware of the importance of access to effective and affordable drugs to producers and will continue to work diligently to decrease the need for extra-label drug use through measures such as reducing our backlog of drug submissions awaiting review, and developing new policies and guidelines in consultation with stakeholders.

Facts About Drug Use in Animals