The Canadian government has awarded CA$690,000 (US$523,436) to poultry industry group Éleveurs de volailles du Québec (EVQ) to study the possible reduction of the use of antibiotics for preventative purposes in the Quebec poultry industry.
Under the project, the Poultry Research Chair at the University of Montreal’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine will assess various alternative strategies and their effects on flock performance. The latest research into antimicrobial resistance builds on a previous project funded by the Canadian government, and will seek solutions that could be applied across the entire poultry industry.
"The Government of Canada recognizes that the use of antibiotics in agriculture is of growing concern with consumers,” stated Pierre Breton, member of Parliament and the House of Commons Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food. “The government is supporting the Quebec poultry industry as it continues research to reduce the use of antibiotics in chicken production, which will benefit public health and promote prosperity for producers and all Canadians."
Pierre-Luc Leblanc, president of EVQ, added: "The Quebec poultry industry is committed to developing cutting-edge farming methods while maintaining strict, rigorous animal welfare standards. Flock health and the quality of consumer products are top priorities. Working with the Poultry Research Chair, we are taking the necessary steps to preserve and enhance these priority areas by building on research and development."
