Charlottetown: Animal welfare organizations and veterinary doctors across Canada are facing a crisis due to the steep increase in the cost of animal drugs.
The PEI Humane Society stated that the rising price of medication is a major factor driving up the operational costs for their institutions. The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) has issued a warning that the current situation is leading to a shortage in the availability of essential medicines for animals, including:
- Painkillers
- Anxiety-reducing medications
- Antibiotics
- Vaccines
Market Shrinkage and Shortages
Over the last 5 to 7 years, Canada has seen a decline of up to 40% in the number of registered animal drugs. The CVMA notes that because Canada is a small market, it is difficult for companies to maintain product availability here, which limits treatment options for common ailments.
Financial Strain on Pet Owners
When animal-specific medicines are unavailable, veterinary professionals are often forced to rely on more expensive alternative drugs or human-grade medications. The PEI Humane Society pointed out that this results in financial losses for animal owners, including farmers.
The CVMA has urged the Federal Government to take action to control the prices of animal drugs and to implement measures to fast-track the entry of new medications into the country.
