Technologies for capturing and analysing animal health data in near real time

Abstract

Information technologies are rapidly advancing the way in which animal health data and information are collected, analysed and shared in order to support animal health management, disease surveillance and response, and decision-making. However, the full potential of these technologies for early detection and response to natural or intentional disease events has not been fully realised in animal health at the global level. This paper discusses advances made in these technologies and examples of how they have been applied in animal health for near real-time data collection and analysis. The technologies reviewed include: i) mobile health (mHealth) technologies, wireless sensors and biosensors for remote data collection; ii) crowdsourced and Internet-based data collection; and iii) electronic health (eHealth) technologies for data integration and analysis. Experiences of implementing these technologies, and challenges with their use, are also discussed so as to provide recommendations on their future application in animal health. The world is ripe with opportunities to develop and enhance mHealth and eHealth technologies that are cost effective and capable of near real-time data collection and analysis. Such technologies have been shown to be valuable and capable of being implemented in both developing and developed countries, and ultimately will strengthen disease surveillance and reporting across the globe. International mechanisms and data standards are needed to facilitate the sharing and analysis of animal and human health data between countries. Identifying ways in which animal and human health data collection and analysis can be better integrated within a 'One Health' approach will enhance the coordination and capability of disease detection and response at the human-animal interface.

Digital technologies and implications for Veterinary Services

“…Although much of the digitalisation process has yet to take place, it is expected that the impact of digital technology on animal health and Veterinary Services will be profound in the years to come. Recent developments in ICTs and innovations have created a wealth of new opportunities to improve veterinary practice (18,19), as well as enhancing the timeliness and accuracy of data collection and reporting for disease surveillance and animal health monitoring (13). The use of new ICTs also makes it easier to map and monitor the spread of infectious diseases and coordinate their management across sectors, as well as to track supplies of drugs and vaccines (16).…”

“…In animal health, mobile phones were initially used to collect data for animal disease surveillance (24,25). The mobile technology advances that followed have led to the increased use of mobile apps for the collection, analysis and dissemination of real-time animal health data (13). Specific examples of customised mobile applications used in resource-limited settings include the Event Mobile Application, a mobile app developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), for enhancing national capacities in disease reporting, surveillance and early warning (26).…”

“…Receives full information on the product, such as where, when and how it was produced, processed, transported and inspected policy-makers, regulators, partners and other stakeholders (13,19,53,65). The following sections deal with some of these implications.…”

“…The digital transformation, fuelled by massive quantities of data being generated by various data-driven technologies, has been impacting data management for the last few years (13). This change offers great opportunities but will also bring challenges, including concerns about who owns, controls, and manages the data being collected and also who will have access to it (e.g.…”

“…Among the most relevant 17 external factors identified by experts and stakeholders was the use of big-data analytics and other advanced technologies, and Veterinary Services should be prepared to respond to this trend (11). This paper does not aim to give a complete overview of digital technologies that affect animal health, as such reviews can be found elsewhere (12,13,14). Rather, it intends to look at some examples of contemporary datadriven technology that will most likely shape the future of Veterinary Services in the years to come.…”