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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 26th May 2022
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AI developed to detect leptospirosis
"My hope is that this technology will be able to recognize cases of leptospirosis in near real time" - Dr Krystle Reagan.

Scientists at UC Davis created the model for early detection.

Scientists and veterinary surgeons at the University of California, Davis (UC Davis) have created an artificial intelligence model for early detection of leptospirosis.

Caused by dogs drinking water contaminated with Leptospira bacteria, leptospirosis ultimately leads to kidney failure, liver disease and severe bleeding in the lungs. Early detection of the disease is vital to give dogs the greatest chance of survival and recovery. 

Explaining the need for a better detection method, lead author Dr Krystle Reagan said: “Traditional testing for Leptospira lacks sensitivity early in the disease process.

“Detection also can take more than two weeks because of the need to demonstrate a rise in the level of antibodies in a blood sample. 

“Our AI model eliminates those two roadblocks to a swift and accurate diagnosis.”

Researcher used historical data of patients at the UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital that had been tested for leptospirosis. Routinely collected blood samples from 413 dogs was used to train the AI prediction model. 

Of the 53 dogs brought in for suspected leptospirosis over the next year, the AI model correctly identified all nine dogs that were positive for leptospirosis. Of the 44 leptospirosis negative dogs, the AI model correctly identified 90 per cent. 

Dr Reagan commented: “My hope is this technology will be able to recognize cases of leptospirosis in near real time, giving clinicians and owners important information about the disease process and prognosis.

“As we move forward, we hope to apply AI methods to improve our ability to quickly diagnose other types of infections.”

As a zoonotic disease, leptospirosis can transfer from animals to humans, and is difficult to diagnose in humans. The researcher hope that the developed technology will be able to be used in human medicine.

The research for this project has been published in the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation.

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Webinar to explore history of KC breed registers

News Story 1
 A free webinar exploring the development of the Kennel Club's registration system and the evolution of closed breed registers has been announced.

Hosted by Dr Alison Skipper, veterinary and research advisor at the Kennel Club, the webinar will delve into the development of the registry and how the changing landscape of scientific knowledge has shaped breeding practices. It will also look at what this means for the future of pedigree dogs.

The session will culminate with a look at The Kennel Club's ongoing and future engagement in this area, with a chance for attendees to put forward their thoughts and questions for discussion.

This event takes place on Microsoft Teams on Tuesday, 10 June at 7pm. To learn more, visit events.teams.microsoft.com  

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.