From Reactive to Predictive Care: A Conversation on AI and Animal Health
Four experts reveal how AI is transforming disease surveillance and veterinary practice
In a remote region of California, a wildlife rehabilitation center uploads routine clinical notes about an injured eagle showing signs of neurological symptoms. Within hours, an AI system flags this case alongside similar reports from across the State, detecting an unusual pattern that might signal an emerging disease outbreak—weeks before traditional surveillance methods would notice. This scenario, now a reality through platforms like WildAlert, an online surveillance platform, exemplifies how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing animal health from a reactive to proactive discipline.
The transformation extends far beyond individual cases. From cattle farms in rural communities to national Veterinary Services grappling with climate-driven disease emergence, AI technologies are reshaping how we detect, prevent and respond to animal health threats. Yet this technological revolution brings both unprecedented opportunities and significant challenges that demand careful navigation.