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AI experts create tool for donkey identification
The app could also identify health problems in donkeys.
The app could identify individual donkeys at a donkey sanctuary.

Experts from the University of Southampton are working on a new app, which could use artificial intelligence (AI) to identify individual donkeys.

The technology will allows visitors to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary to use their phones to identify specific donkeys in the sanctuary’s herd.

The app has been named Ask ELVIS, which stands for Equine Long-range Visual Identification System. It has been named in memory of one of the Sanctuary’s first donkeys, Elvis, who died aged 35 last year.

As well as its uses for donkey identification, experts also believe the technology could be used to alert of health problems in donkeys.

Since donkeys often hide illnesses, it can often be difficult to get an early diagnosis of conditions. It is hoped that the technology will be able to recognise if a donkey is holding itself unnaturally or uncomfortably.  

In its current form, the app is expected to help those sponsoring an animal to identify their donkey from the sanctuary’s 108 residents.

The donkeys used to wear collars with their names on, before it was decided this that was not safe or comfortable for them. Since many donkeys do not have distinguishing features, identifying them in a herd can be challenging.

The app contains a library of hundreds of images of donkeys from all angles. Combined with deep learning technologies, it will be able to use these images to make decisions about the donkey it is identifying.

It is expecting to be released at the end of 2025.

Xiaohao Cai, assistant professor of computer science at the University of Southampton, said: “The app will use AI technology to automatically identify individual donkeys. The AI recognition will identify individual donkeys from all angles – their faces, as well as from the side or behind.”

“It’s a really exciting project. It’s great to be working on something that’s beyond our own research and to be able to help such a fantastic charity as the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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.