Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 26th May 2022
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

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.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.