Today (17 December), the Veterinary Medicines Directorate's (VMD)
Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Gavin Hall, and the Canadian Food
Inspection Agency's (CFIA) Executive Director of the Animal
Health Directorate and Chief Veterinary Officer for Canada, Dr.
Mary Jane Ireland, issued the following statement:
We are pleased to announce that the CFIA and the VMD have
officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance
collaboration between Canada and the UK in the regulatory
oversight of veterinary biologics, including animal vaccines. We
believe that access to effective veterinary vaccines is critical
not only to protect animal health, but to safeguard public
health, secure our food supply, and strengthen economic
resilience.
This agreement sets out how Canada and the UK will work together
to make the pre-market assessment and approval of veterinary
biologics more efficient. By sharing scientific expertise and
information, discussing common priorities and exploring joint
reviews of veterinary biological products, Canada and the UK aim
to reduce duplication, lessen the burden on industry and
facilitate access to important products.
These efforts will help protect animal health, support farmers
and pet owners, and safeguard the food supply chain. The MOU
strengthens our commitment to working collaboratively, further
develops the strong and productive relationship between our two
organisations and reinforces our shared commitment to animal
health.
