Scientists are developing a new tool that will use artificial intelligence to give farmers quick, tailored advice on how to reduce the risk of livestock disease.
The web tool will speedily summarise official documentation on livestock disease and biosecurity and deliver the details most relevant to an individual farmer’s needs at the time.
The AI tool is being developed as part of a project by Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and the Moredun Institute.
The impact of livestock disease on farms
Animal disease can have significant and wide-ranging impacts on farms, affecting both the economic and operational aspects of farming.
When livestock contracts diseases, it can lead to reduced productivity, lower milk or egg production, and even the death of animals, which directly affects the farm’s profitability. Outbreaks can also disrupt breeding programmes, leading to long-term issues with herd or flock management.
Additionally, the cost of treating sick animals, as well as the implementation of biosecurity measures to prevent the spread of disease, can place a heavy financial burden on farmers. In some cases, the spread of certain diseases may lead to trade restrictions or market closures, further limiting the farm’s ability to sell its products.
Beyond financial losses, livestock disease can also affect the reputation of the farm, leading to reduced consumer trust and potential legal ramifications if the disease spreads to other regions or industries.
Overall, animal disease can severely disrupt farm operations, leading to financial hardship, increased management complexity, and potentially long-lasting effects on both the animals and the farm business.
Using AI to assess individual needs on farms
Researchers will soon demonstrate how the new AI web tool can be used to search for and summarise guidance for reducing the risk of different livestock diseases on farms.
Industry input is crucial to ensure the tool is useful and effective, they say, with farmers invited to participate in the project and provide feedback.
SRUC’s project lead, Dr Kate Lamont, said artificial intelligence tools could make life easier for the farming industry.
The new AI could be used by farmers to gather information they need about how to reduce the risk of livestock disease on their farms in a quick, accessible way.
Farmers can have their say
“It would be great to hear from farmers who would like to know more about it,” Dr Lamon said.
To help farmers get the most out of the new technology, SRUC and Moredun will host a webinar on 26 March.
Those interested in attending can register their interest online.
