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Artificial intelligence to identify equine ocular disease
Artificial intelligence could lead to more horses getting an earlier diagnosis.
The tool can diagnose moon blindness in horses.

An artificial intelligence (AI) tool could be used to diagnose equine recurrent uveitus (ERU) in horses.

The inflammatory ocular disease, also known as ‘moon blindness’, can lead to blindness or loss of the affected eye.

ERU is one of the more common eye diseases in horses, and can have a major economic impact. A quick, correct diagnosis can minimise the lasting damage.

The research team created an AI tool, which was trained with photographs of diseases to identify the patterns which may lead to a diagnosis.

To assess the efficacy of their deep learning tool, researchers from the Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität München asked 150 veterinary surgeons to evaluate 40 photos of horses’ eyes. The pictures included a mixture of healthy eyes, eyes with ERU, and eyes with other diseases.

Equine veterinary surgeons completed the test with a 76 per cent success rate, meanwhile veterinary surgeons working in small animal or mixed practice identified the eye issues correctly 67 per cent of the time.

When the AI image analysis tool was given the same challenge, the probability of receiving the correct answer was 93 per cent.

The researchers say that, while the difference was not statistically significant, it proved that AI could reliably recognise ERU. This could support veterinary surgeons with the diagnosis of potential emergency cases.

This could lead to more horses getting an earlier diagnosis, increasing the likelihood of them receiving prompt treatment and saving affected eyes. It will also enable less experienced veterinary surgeons to differentiate between ERU and other opthalmic diseases.

The AI, deep learning tool is web-app based, and can be used through a smartphone device.

Professor Anna May, who led the research team, said: "It's not meant to replace veterinarians, but can help them reach the correct diagnosis.

“It is particularly valuable for less experienced professionals or for horse owners in regions where vets are few and far between,"

The full study can be found in the Equine Veterinary Journal.

Image © Shutterstock

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Central Qualifications to attend BVNA Congress

News Story 1
 Central Qualifications (CQ) is to host a stand at this year's BVNA Congress. The awarding body will be at Stand C9 from 11-13 October.

It will discuss changes to the qualifications strategy and some new qualifications, including a top-up course for equine veterinary care, so qualified veterinary nurses can broaden their skills.

Rachael Shepherd, education consultant at CQ, said: "We are looking forward to attending BVNA Congress this year. There are exciting times ahead, with a revamp to the VN qualifications and assessment strategy and the introduction of some new qualifications." 

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News Shorts
Northern Ireland chief vet warns of bluetongue risk

Following the detection of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3) in England, Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer has urged farmers to remain vigilant and source animals responsibly.

Brian Dooher said: "This confirmation in England is a stark reminder of the threat bluetongue presents to Northern Ireland.Whilst this finding in Norfolk is disappointing it is not unexpected giving the rising level of disease across several countries in Europe. Bluetongue does not affect human health or food safety, however an incursion to Northern Ireland would have a significant impact on livestock and the rural economy.

"I would like to remind all farmers of the importance of sourcing animals responsibly and ask that they maintain vigilance for signs of the disease reporting any suspicions to DAERA immediately."

Suspected cases of BTV-3 in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.