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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 14th May 2013
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Tracking system monitors health
Mobile application sends health data

An innovative system known as CowView could help to improve bovine welfare, as it allows each animal in a herd to be tracked, with location and behavioural alerts sent to the farmer's PC, tablet or smartphone.

The system allows for continual analysis of the animal's position and behaviour, having significant implications for herd health management, as it can alert farmers to unusual behaviour which could be indicative of ill health.

As smaller farms are consolidating to meet the increasing demands, GEA Technologies and Zebra Technologies Corporation have collaborated on the innovative system which could act as an early warning sign for health issues.

GEA collaborated closely with Zebra to create CowView, using real time location solutions (RTLS) to help farmers meet the demands of larger herds.

The CowView tag is hung from each animal's neck using specially designed collars. This tag then transmits the animal's location and activity to the preferred device of the farmer - PC, tablet or smartphone - via stationary sensors.

Jill Stelfox from Zebra said: "For the first time, farmers can now obtain a full and continuous analysis of the position and behaviour of each individual cow and use this knowledge to ensure the wellbeing of their animals."

CowView is currently monitoring 4000 cows across seven farms in Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark, and is now being installed in farms in the UK and Scandinavia.

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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.