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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 23rd September 2024

AI-powered haematology analyser to be launched
The use of AI technology in the veterinary sector is increasing.
Zoetis is set to unveil the product at London Vet Show.

A new haematology analyser that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to provide blood count analysis is set to be launched in the UK.

Designed to be used at point of care, the Vetscan OptiCell from Zoetis will use AI image recognition technology to classify blood cells for complete blood count (CBC) analysis.

Zoetis is planning to unveil the new product at this year’s London Vet Show, which is running from 14-15 November.

Richard Goldstein, global chief medical officer and head of medical affairs at Zoetis, said: “For the first time, we are able to use advanced AI image recognition technology to characterise the blood cells instead of relying on their size or other physical parameters.

“This is an important step forward for our haematology story, demonstrating Zoetis’ devotion to the wellbeing of animals and those that care for them.”

The product is being launched at a time when the use of AI technology is increasing in the veterinary sector. The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) recently held a roundtable on AI which saw more than 100 attendees discuss the potential benefits and risks of AI technology.

RCVS CEO Lizzie Lockett, who chaired the roundtable, said: “The clear feeling from the room on the day was that any action the RCVS takes to regulate the use of AI in the veterinary sector would need to emphasise that the veterinary professional should ultimately remain responsible for clinical decision-making and the delivery of veterinary care. AI is another tool in the veterinary toolbox, but there should always be a ‘human in the loop’.”

The college is currently considering the practical steps it can take to regulate the use of veterinary AI.

Image © Shutterstock

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Applications open for MMI research grants

News Story 1
 RCVS' Mind Matters Initiative (MMI) has launched round two of its veterinary mental health research grants.

Researchers have until 11.59pm on Wednesday, 28 May 2025 to apply for a grant for research which reflects MMI's 2025 focus areas.

Only one Impact Grant was awarded last year, and so this year there are two Discovery Grants and one Impact Grants available. Each Discovery Grant is worth £5,000 and the Impact Grant is worth £15,000.

For more information or to apply, email researchgrants@rcvs.org.uk to contact the MMI team.

 

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News Shorts
Germany livestock import ban lifted

The UK government has amended its ban on the import of livestock, meat and dairy products from Germany.

Defra said the decision follows 'rigorous technical assessment' of the measures applied and the current situation. "If the situation changes, we will not hesitate to take necessary action in response to the FMD outbreaks in the European Union to protect our domestic biosecurity," it said.

The ban was implemented in January following an outbreak of foot and mouth disease (FMD) near Berlin. Personal imports of meat, milk and dairy products will remain in place at a country level.