Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 23rd April 2024
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

RCVS to hold roundtable on artificial intelligence
“This initial roundtable event is to help us understand where the key challenges lie and what the next steps will be in addressing these” – Lizzie Lockett.
Discussions could lead to regulations on AI use in vet sector.

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is set to hold a roundtable on artificial intelligence (AI) to consider how its use in the veterinary sector could be regulated.

With AI technology developing quickly, and companies across various industries using it more, the college is keen to start discussions around its use in the veterinary professions.

The event will take place on Monday, 20 May 2024 at IET London: Savoy Place. It will include a mix of talks, plenary sessions, and small group discussions.

Around 100 individuals will be attending from across the veterinary professions, including representatives from veterinary associations, technology companies, educational institutions, as well as students. Participants from other professional regulators and the public sector will also be attending.

Lizzie Lockett, RCVS chief executive, said: “AI is everywhere and is progressing at an ever increasing rate. As the regulator of the veterinary professions, we have a responsibility to make sure that we are maximising the use of AI for good, but also preventing it from being used in any way that could cause harm to animal health and welfare and public health.”

The conversations had at the roundtable will help to inform the college’s Standards Committee, which is responsible for developing guidance for the veterinary sector. The committee will also consider input from the RCVS’ Public Advisory Group about the use of AI from the perspective of animal owners.

Ms Lockett added: “Once we have established an initial direction of travel and have some more solid work to review, there will be ample opportunity for the wider professions to get involved and have their say. This initial roundtable event is to help us understand where the key challenges lie and what the next steps will be in addressing these.”

There is space at the roundtable for unaffiliated veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses with relevant expertise to attend. Anyone who fits this criteria and would like to be considered should email events@rcvs.org.uk with an explanation of their area of expertise by 5pm on Monday, 6 May 2024.

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Birmingham Dogs Home makes urgent appeal

News Story 1
 Birmingham Dogs Home has issued an urgent winter appeal as it faces more challenges over the Christmas period.

The rescue centre has seen a dramatic increase in dogs coming into its care, and is currently caring for over 200 dogs. With rising costs and dropping temperatures, the charity is calling for urgent support.

It costs the charity £6,000 per day to continue its work.

Fi Harrison, head of fundraising and communications, said: "It's heart-breaking for our team to see the conditions some dogs arrive in. We really are their last chance and hope of survival."

More information about the appeal can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Avian flu confirmed at premises in Cornwall

A case of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 has been detected in commercial poultry at a premises near Rosudgeon, Cornwall.

All poultry on the infected site will be humanely culled, and a 3km protection zone and 10km surveillance zone have been put in place. Poultry and other captive birds in the 3km protection zone must be housed.

The case is the second avian flu case confirmed in commercial poultry this month. The H5N5 strain was detected in a premises near Hornsea, East Riding of Yorkshire, in early November. Before then, the disease had not been confirmed in captive birds in England since February.

The UK chief veterinary officer has urged bird keepers to remain alert and practise robust biosecurity.

A map of the disease control zones can be found here.