The CVMA is distributing the following information in order to provide its members with pertinent and timely information.

CVMA Meets with Government of Canada to Address Pet Food Safety

On Thursday, April 5, 2007 the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) met with officials from Health Canada's Veterinary Drugs Directorate (VDD), the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to discuss the recent pet food contamination incident and explore potential future roles of the CVMA and the Government of Canada in assuring the health of animals and the safety of pet food.

The CVMA recommends that the Government of Canada take the lead to address the issue of pet food safety, research options including the establishment of standards and regulatory measures and consider establishing protocols in advance of future incidents.

The Government is currently analyzing the situation and developing options to address the future pet food safety in Canada. The CVMA indicated its willingness to represent Canadian veterinarians in this process and proposed to establish a multi-stakeholder task force to review and assess these options as soon as they are available.

As the national voice of the veterinary profession in Canada, the CVMA will continue to assist the Government of Canada in its efforts to address pet food safety and will ensure that the interests of Canadian veterinarians are represented.  The CVMA will keep you up to date on the progress of this important undertaking. 

The CVMA understands how important it is to keep veterinarians informed of all the latest information surrounding this recall incident. In an effort to keep you updated, please refer to the CVMA Web site at http://canadianveterinarians.net/ShowText.aspx?ResourceID=646