The federal and provincial agriculture departments are willing to spend up to $294,314 to study antimicrobial resistance in feedlot cattle.
Beef Farmers of Ontario said it hopes “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.
Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said “Canadian beef farmers work hard to ensure Canadians have the safest and highest quality product on their plates, made from sustainably raised cows.
“Ontario farmers are committed to the health and safety of their animals on the farm,“ she said.
Ontario Agriculture Minister Ernie Hardeman said “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.
“Our government is very proud to recognize their good stewardship practices and help promote confidence in our beef domestically and international.”
Joe Hill, president of Beef Farmers of Ontario, said “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.
“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.”
