New Quebec regulation on the use of antimicrobials of very high importance in food animals: Implementation and impacts in dairy cattle practice

摘要

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major concern for human and veterinary medicine of the 21st century (1). Antimicrobial usage (AMU) in food-producing animals is under scrutiny by the public. Therefore, some countries such as France, Belgium, and The Netherlands have enforced regulations to decrease AMU in food-producing animals and/or to limit the usage of antimicrobials that are of very high importance (Category I antimicrobials) in human medicine. Antimicrobials of this category used in food-producing animals in Canada are 3rd and 4th generation cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and polymyxins. On February 25, 2019, the Quebec government enforced a new regulation to restrict the use of Category I antimicrobials in food animals in the province. This special report presents the new regulation, its implementation in the dairy sector, the actions of stakeholders before the implementation, and finally, the possible impacts on veterinarians and dairy producers.