Agricultural Facts

Animal health products are not just valuable tools for the protection of animal health - they safeguard human health.

West Nile virus can affect both people and horses. Highly effective horse vaccines have been developed which are aiding in the development of a human vaccine.

Of nearly 1,500 diseases we know affect people, two-thirds can pass between animals and humans.

Animal health products undergo years of testing and trials to meet stringent government requirements before being approved for use.

All animal health products sold in Canada have undergone a comprehensive scientific review and risk assessment by Health Canada to identify any potential threats to animal and human health or the environment.

Canadian farmers work diligently to provide farm animals with the resources for optimal health such as proper nutrition, clean water, vaccinations, and biosecurity.

The health of animals, whether livestock or pets, is inextricably linked to the wellbeing of people and planet, meaning better animal health plays an integral role in sustainability.

Since CAHI first partnered with Cleanfarms in 2009, over 52,000 kg of unwanted livestock and equine health products have been collected for safe disposal.

Canadian beef has one of the lowest GHG footprints per unit of production in the world at 12 kg CO2 equivalent per kilogram of live weight, which is less than half the world average, and only accounts for 3.2% of the country’s total GHG footprint. (credit: Canadian Cattlemen's Association)

Less than eight per cent of Canada’s land is used for agriculture. The rest has been developed as an urban landscape, is forest or shrubland, or is very difficult to impossible to grow crops on (think Arctic regions). But livestock can flourish on terrain that’s too rocky, hilly, wet, or dry. That gives farmers the opportunity to produce food in places where crops can’t grow.

Over the past fifty years, the egg industry has produced 50% more eggs using less land, less energy and less water – in total a 50% drop in its environmental footprint – all while making hens healthier. (credit: Egg Farmers of Canada)

Healthier animals need fewer natural resources, allowing them to provide more food, labour, fertilizer, companionship and assistance for less feed, water and land. Their contribution will be central to efforts towards achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) by 2030.