Canadian Performance of Veterinary Services Review – OIE
In March 2017, Canada underwent a comprehensive evaluation of its veterinary services. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) coordinated an assessment of the quality of veterinary infrastructure across the country and how it contributed to maintaining and strengthening international trade, ensured the health of our nation’s animals, and protected the public from the risk of diseases transmitted from animals to humans.
The Performance of Veterinary Services evaluation was conducted from March 13 to 28, 2017, by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE). The evaluation was coordinated by the CFIA and involved federal and provincial governments and representatives from the veterinary sector and animal industry. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) was part of the steering committee through the CFIA and provided input on the assessment process.
The OIE evaluation team performed on-site visits across Canada at a wide range of locations, including slaughterhouses, laboratories, animal health related offices, farms and veterinary clinics. The evaluation was not a regulatory exercise, but will help create a shared vision of how we can improve Canada’s veterinary services.
A report of findings and recommendations is now available to read: PVS Evaluation Report – Canada (currently, in English only)
The report will be used to help create a shared vision of how public and private-sector partners can work together to improve Canada’s veterinary services.
Overall Evaluation Results
- The assessment found Canadian veterinary services to operate at the highest level with no major weaknesses.
- The OIE commended Canada for its commitment to upholding the highest standards possible and seeking means for improvement.
- OIE thanked Canada for its leadership in being one of the first developed countries to undertake a PVS Evaluation.
- Canada’s assessment is among the highest achieved internationally.
The areas for improvement fall into six major themes. Some of which have been addressed or significantly advanced since the PVS site visit in March 2017:
- Information management
- Regulatory reforms
- Traceability of animals and animal products
- Engagement with industry for cost sharing
- Engagement with provinces and territories
- Engagement with other government departments
Further information on the OIE’s Performance of Veterinary Services Evaluation and the criteria for assessment can be found on the OIE’s website. (http://www.oie.int/support-to-oie-members/pvs-evaluations/oie-pvs-tool/)