Veterinary Biologics and Biotechnology

The Veterinary Biologics and Biotechnology Section is a division of the Animal Health Division, Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). They regulate the production, evaluation, importation, and registration of veterinary biologics under the Health of Animals Act and Regulations. Veterinary biologics include vaccines, bacterins, toxins, toxoids, antisera, and diagnostic kits used for the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of infectious diseases of animals. Additional responsibilities of this branch include: (1) ensure that commercial veterinary biologics are pure, potent, safe, and effective; (2) ensure that products do not have adverse effects on the environment, animal or human health; (3) issue import permits for all veterinary biologics, animal tissues, infectious organisms, and related materials used for research purposes or for use in the pharmaceutical industry; (4) review advertising of veterinary biologics; and
(5) review adverse reactions of veterinary biologics and instruct appropriate manufacturer(s) to investigate. If deemed necessary, they can instruct a manufacturer to withdraw a product from the market. Producers are encouraged to report adverse reactions to their veterinarian who should report these reactions to the Veterinary Biologics and Biotechnology Section.

For further information, contact: Veterinary Biologics and Biotechnology, Animal Health Division, CFIA, 2nd Floor West, Camelot Court, 59 Camelot drive, Nepean, ON, K1A 0Y9, Tel: 613-225-2342, Fax: 613-228-6612.