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New project developing AI that can recognise a cow by its skin patterns
The new system aims to make the process of examining a cow much more effective and efficient.

Innovative project sees animal health organisations collaborate with video game developers

Agricultural innovation group Agri-EPI Centre and VetPartners are collaborating with video games developers on a new project which aims to help dairy farmers and advance cow health.

The SmARtview research is working to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based system that can recognise a cow by it's skin patterns, as well as a ‘HoloLens’ Augmented Reality (AR) headset that displays health and productivity data about an animal as a user views it.

This system will help make the process of examining a cow and then having to look up it's health records much more efficient and effective.

Agri-EPI’s South West Dairy Development Centre is being used to carry out the tests and the new system will also be trialled by veterinary professionals from VetPartners practices across the UK.

Head of dairy at Agri-Epi Duncan Forbes said: “The beauty of this project is that it combines farmers’ and vet’s experienced ‘eyes’ with real-time data: technology is being used to enhance, rather than replace, human skills.

“In addition, SmARtview could provide a solution to one of the key challenges of on-farm technology – while different devices like robotic milkers, sensors and collars can already collect plentiful data, its lack of integration limits insight to drive decision-making.”

Abertay University’s School of Design and Informatics will be leading the development of the AI, while games developer Pocket Sized Hands (PSH) work on developing the prototype AR headset.

Abertay professor Ruth Falconer said: “This project brings together our research areas of AI, user experience and games technology. We aim to develop ‘marker-less’ technology that can achieve the difficult task of recognising a cow by the patterning of its skin and shape in an environment where it is likely to be dirty, and the light and weather conditions change frequently.”

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

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News Shorts
BSAVA announces 12th Edition of the Small Animal Formulary

The BSAVA has published an updated edition of its Small Animal Formulary, which includes new drug monographs and emergency drug doses for rabbits, rodents, birds and reptiles.

One of BSAVA's most trusted and widely used clinical resources, this 12th edition of the manual also includes seven new client information leaflets and information on drugs used for the management of urinary incontinence.

Part A of the Formulary, Canine and Feline, sees Fergus Allerton return as Editor-in-Chief, while Part B: Exotic Pets was edited by Joanna Hedley. For more information, visit the BSAVA website.