This means farmers will need to obtain a prescription from a veterinarian to purchase products that fall in categories I, II and III (Table 1).

Products previously available over-the-counter that will be re-classified as prescription will only be available through a veterinarian clinic, pharmacist or commercial feed mill for medicated feed used for some farm animals. Growth promotion claims will also be removed from labels.

These changes are part of a package of regulatory and policy changes Health Canada is implementing to strengthen the oversight of veterinary drugs in Canada and keep them working to benefit humans and animals for a longer time in the future.

Medically important antimicrobials are essential for the treatment of serious and life-threatening human infections. If these drugs become ineffective due to the development of bacterial resistance, alternative antimicrobials may not be available.

All users of antimicrobials have a role to play in the responsible use of medically important antimicrobials to preserve their effectiveness and minimize the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance. It is important to note: You as an end user cannot give or sell a prescription drug, in any form, to someone else.

The Canadian Animal Health Institute (CAHI) has published a list of brand names of veterinary drugs that will be impacted with the new regulation, which is posted online (Antimicrobials requiring a veterinary prescription).

The regulatory changes emphasize the importance of maintaining a close relationship with your veterinarian. Not only can veterinarians help with herd and animal health monitoring, they can suggest preventative measures and alternative solutions to relying on medically important antimicrobials.

In addition, this relationship will be important as the proAction biosecurity module moves forward in 2019.

Consult your provincial authority for further details, as some provinces may authorize certain facilities beyond veterinary clinics to sell prescription drugs. For more information on the responsible use of medically important antimicrobials in animals, visit Health Canada’s website (Responsible use of medically important antimicrobials in animals) and, for general agriculture information on the regulations and factsheets, visit the CAHI website (Antimicrobial stewardship).

Founded in 1934, Dairy Farmers of Canada (DFC) is the national organization which defends the interests of Canadian dairy farmers and strives to create favourable conditions for the Canadian dairy industry. Working in accordance with supply management principles, DFC promotes safe, high quality, sustainable and nutritious Canadian dairy products made from 100% Canadian milk through various marketing, nutrition, policy and lobbying initiatives. Driven by a strong sense of community and pride, DFC and Canadian dairy farmers actively support a number of local and national activities. Visit dairyfarmers.ca for more information.