The Canadian feed industry recognizes the importance of using antimicrobials responsibly while ensuring optimal animal health and welfare. Nutrition plays a key role in achieving this balance and ANAC continues to work collaboratively with government and industry, both domestically and internationally, to support antimicrobial stewardship.

Use of antimicrobials in livestock feeds

As of December 1, 2018, all medically important antimicrobials to be mixed in livestock feeds (category I, II and III antimicrobials) are available by veterinary prescription only. ANAC and Health Canada have developed fact sheets for industry to provide information on the use of prescription drugs in livestock feeds.

ANAC Fact Sheets:

Health Canada Fact Sheets:

Antimicrobial drug classification in Canada

Health Canada is responsible for categorizing antimicrobial drugs based on their importance in human medicine. Visit Health Canada’s website for a list of antimicrobial drugs categorized based on their importance in human medicine.

Veterinary prescription templates for livestock feeds

Veterinary prescriptions for drug premixes being mixed in feed must comply with Canadian regulations. Health Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and ANAC have developed templates, by species, for use by veterinarians when writing veterinary feed prescriptions. The use of the templates is optional however they do include all elements required for a veterinary feed prescription to be compliant with applicable regulations.

Veterinary Prescription for Medicated Feed (PDF):

Other useful links

Canadian Food Inspection Agency – RG-7 Regulatory Guidance: Prudent Use of Veterinary Drugs in Livestock Feeds

Health Canada – Responsible use of Medically Important Antimicrobials in Animals

Canadian Animal Health Institute – Antimicrobial Stewardship

Canadian Veterinary Medical Association – Veterinary Oversight of Antimicrobial Use in Animals in Canada