Health Management

The success of a feedlot is greatly dependent on the health of the cattle. One of the keys to keeping the animals healthy is to control disease in the feedlot. This begins with the purchase of healthy animals. In general, feedlots attempt to purchase cattle that will perform well and provide maximum economic return.

During the first few days upon arrival at the feedlot, cattle are ‘processed’ where they are given vaccinations and any other medical protocols developed in consultations with their consulting veterinarians. Other steps may be needed such as dehorning or castrating but those steps are generally performed before arrival at feedlots. These procedures ensure the cattle are healthy, well-managed, and will not bring diseases into the feedlot or injure other cattle.

Another key to successfully managing cattle health is keeping accurate production records that detail an animal’s health and vaccinations.

Antibiotics

Veterinarians use antimicrobials in cattle production to treat and prevent disease. Antimicrobials are drugs that fight bacterial infections in humans and animals.

In Canada, antimicrobials licensed for use in beef cattle go through a rigorous registration process similar to human drugs.  The Veterinary Drug Directorate of Health Canada must approve all veterinary drugs before they can be licensed for sale in Canada. A drug is approved for use only if it:

• does not pose a risk to humans
• is safe for animals
• is an effective treatment
• follows strict manufacturing guidelines

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global issue exacerbated by inappropriate use of antimicrobials, making infections harder to treat. AMR is a One Health issue and effective solutions must consider the close interplay between humans, animals and our shared environment.

The CCA has long supported the responsible and judicious use of antibiotics. In 2019, CCA approved an official Statement on Antimicrobial Stewardship at its annual general meeting in Ottawa.

This statement is intended to help cattle producers and veterinarians maintain herd health and welfare, economic viability, industry competitiveness and sustainability, public health and consumer confidence.

Canadian beef cattle producers, veterinary profession and value chain partners work together to:

• Establish a valid veterinary client patient-relationship (VCPR), and develop and regularly review a herd health plan including applicable preventative measures to refine, reduce and where possible replace the use of antimicrobials;

• Prioritize the welfare of animals within the confines of a valid VCPR, focusing on good animal husbandry and vaccinations to prevent common infectious diseases. Treat as few animals as possible when required, but as many as necessary for effective disease control;

• Ensure those administering antimicrobials are appropriately trained and competent in correctly following prescription and label instructions;

• Ensure legal compliance in administration of antimicrobials with drug indication, dose, route, frequency, duration, withdrawal period, and storage, as per prescriptions/label directions and health protocols from a veterinarian;

• Dispose of all expired antimicrobials safely in accordance with relevant regulations;

• Keep treatment records that include the date, disease diagnosis, antimicrobial product name, dosage, route of administration, treatment outcomes when attainable, and any pertinent diagnostic test results;

• Adopt a tiered approach to antimicrobial use: use effective antimicrobials of the lowest importance in human medicine as the first choice and those of highest importance in human medicine as the last choice, provided doing so does not delay effective treatment or compromise animal health and welfare;

• Not use licensed antimicrobials that Health Canada categorizes as Very High Importance in human medicine unless no other antimicrobials licensed for use in cattle would achieve the desired animal health, welfare and food safety outcomes; and

• Not use any antimicrobials other than ionophores to improve feed efficiency.

A member of the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB), the CCA statement reflects the GRSB Antimicrobial Stewardship Statement of 2018 and its principles regarding what should be done by the beef value chain to manage antibiotics responsibly. Leading Canadian experts in animal health and veterinary medicine contributed to the development the GRSB statement to ensure its principles are both globally accepted and applicable to Canadian beef cattle production. More information on antibiotic resistance can be found here.