The role of the veterinary profession in contributing to national animal health policies
The Animal Health Policy Conference Beijing, China February 25-26, 2008
Dr. Gordon Dittberner Agriteam Canada
1
Presentation Outline
Introduction – veterinary profession in Canada How the of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) was formed How the CVMA functions How the CVMA contributes to animal health programs and policies Conclusion
2
Veterinary science and veterinary medicine
Both involve the study of animal health.
Graduates are called veterinarians or veterinary surgeons. Most countries legally recognize veterinarians as professionals. Most of these countries have national veterinary associations.
3
Profile of veterinarians in Canada in 2008
Nearly 11,000 veterinarians in Canada today most are involved in private practice. 10% work in government positions. About 650 veterinarians work for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Over 300 students graduate each year from the 4 universities in Canada that have veterinary faculties.
4
Early development of professions in Canada
In 1797 the first professional group in Canada, the Law Society of Upper Canada, was established. In 1867 the Canadian Medical Association was founded. The purpose of these professional associations was to regulate their members, to protect the public, and to improve the standards of the profession.
5
Brief history of the veterinary profession in Canada
In 1861 a Scottish veterinarian established the Ontario Veterinary College in Toronto; it was the first veterinary college in North America
Another Scottish veterinarian started the Montreal Veterinary College in 1866.
6
Brief history of the veterinary profession in Canada (cont’d)
Initial efforts were made in 1876 to establish a Canadian national veterinary association but several provinces objected as they wished to retain their rights and set their own standards of veterinary education
7
Brief history of the veterinary profession in Canada (cont’d)
From 1874 to 1920 various Canadian provinces established provincial veterinary medical associations to license and regulate private veterinary practitioners. The provincial veterinary associations operated independently which sometimes led to contradictory opinions.
8
Brief history of the veterinary profession in Canada (cont’d)
In 1943 the Veterinary Director-General for Canada suggested to the provincial veterinary associations that they should create a national body that would act as the spokesperson for the veterinary profession.
9
Brief history of the veterinary profession in Canada (cont’d)
In June 1948 federal legislation was passed to create the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA). By legislation, unless deemed qualified by the CVMA, persons cannot claim to be veterinarians and cannot conduct veterinary activities in Canada.
10
Functions of the CVMA
The CVMA is the body that speaks on behalf all veterinarians in Canada.
The federal government consults the CVMA for an independent perspective and for advice on animal health policies and proposed animal health legislation.
11
Functions of the CVMA
(cont’d)
Sets qualification standards for Canadian and foreign veterinary graduates Accredits universities providing veterinary degree programs Lobbies the government for federal funding for university capital projects to provide veterinary training and research facilities Promotes education standards by participating in advisory committees at veterinary universities
12
Functions of the CVMA (cont’d)
Promotes ongoing improvement and updating of veterinarians through monthly and quarterly scientific publications:
– in 1960 the CVMA began publishing the Canadian Veterinary Journal (now monthly) – the CVMA also publishes the Canadian Journal of Veterinary Research (quarterly)
13
Functions of the CVMA
(cont’d)
The CVMA is consulted by many government departments on issues related to animal health, public health, animal welfare, eco-health, animals in research, and veterinary and animal health education. The CVMA is also consulted by Parliamentary and Senate Committees for input on proposed legislation that impacts the veterinary profession.
14
Functions of the CVMA
(cont’d)
The CVMA represents the veterinary profession on numerous livestock and industry animal health policy committees. The CVMA represents the Canadian veterinary profession at international events (such as OIE and World Veterinary Association meetings). In July 2008 the CVMA hosted the 29th World Veterinary Congress in Vancouver, Canada.
15
VANCOUVER, CANADA
16
2OO8 World Veterinary Congress, Vancouver, Canada
The theme of congress was: “One World - One Medicine - One Health”
Attended by: – 2500 veterinarians – 750 animal health technicians, veterinary hospital managers, and students
17
Keynote Speakers
Dr. Bernard Vallat, OIE (World Organization for Animal Health) Dr. Brian Evans, Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Chief Veterinary Officer Dr. Lonnie King, American Center for Disease Control Dr. Hugh Lewis, Banfield, The Pet Hospital
18
Congress Supporters
World Veterinary Association Canadian Veterinary Medical Association OIE – World Organization for Animal Health
19
Achievements of the CVMA
In 1956 the CVMA established the National Examining Board (NEB) to determine the educational credentials of foreign veterinary graduates. This has now developed into a sophisticated qualification standard called the North American Veterinary Licensing Examination (NAVLE). All government veterinarians must have the CVMA certificate of qualification to hold designated veterinary positions.
20
Achievements of the CVMA
(cont’d)
The CVMA in conjunction with the AVMA accredits all the North American veterinary universities to the highest international standards. Some veterinary universities in Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and a few other EU countries are also accredited by the CVMA-AVMA team.
21
Achievements of the CVMA
(cont’d)
In 2006 the CVMA received funding from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to set up and manage the Canadian Veterinary Reserve (CVR). The purpose of the CVR is to assist provincial and federal governments responding to large-scale animal health emergencies. The roster of reservists doubles the number of CFIA field veterinarians available to respond to any emergency.
22
Conclusion
As the CVMA gained international stature, its influence on national animal health policies increased. Today the CVMA is an integral part of all animal health policy development in Canada. Canada is not unique in this regard as the same can be said about all the other countries that have strong national professional veterinary associations.
23
Conclusion
(cont’d)
These national associations have directly driven improvements to the standards and practice of animal health and have been important contributors to the animal health policies throughout the world. It is significant that the highest standards of animal health in the world are in all those countries where there are strong professional national veterinary associations. Thank you!
24