Digital technologies and implications for Veterinary Services

The pace of digital disruption over the past few years has been spectacular, transforming every sector of the economy, including animal production, health and welfare. This paper reviews some advanced digital technologies that may shape the future of Veterinary Services. These technologies are all data driven and are illustrated by three examples that fall under the following categories: a) wireless and mobile technologies for animal health monitoring, disease surveillance, reporting and information sharing; b) advanced data-processing technologies, such as big data and data analytics used to detect patterns, make predictions, find correlations and other information; and c) promising technologies such as blockchain applications, used for effective and efficient management of various input supply chains. The authors briefly discuss current challenges to increasing the use of these technologies in the animal health sector, along with some implications for Veterinary Services. Digital technologies will have a profound effect on how animal health services are delivered and how animal health systems are managed. It is therefore crucial for Veterinary Services to be proactive and adapt to the ongoing digital transformation. Investment in new technologies and preparing the current and future veterinary workforce with the necessary digital skills and knowledge to stay up to date and at the centre of digital innovation in animal health should be a priority for the years to come.