The Veterinary Medicines Directorate’s (VMD) deputy chief executive, 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, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance collaboration between Canada and the UK in the regulatory oversight of veterinary biologics, including animal vaccines.
In a joint statement, Mr Hall and Dr Ireland said: “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.
The statement continued: “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.”
