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EmailIphone Application    Posted: 14th May 2013
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Tracking system monitors health
Mobile application sends health data

An innovative system known as CowView could help to improve bovine welfare, as it allows each animal in a herd to be tracked, with location and behavioural alerts sent to the farmer's PC, tablet or smartphone.

The system allows for continual analysis of the animal's position and behaviour, having significant implications for herd health management, as it can alert farmers to unusual behaviour which could be indicative of ill health.

As smaller farms are consolidating to meet the increasing demands, GEA Technologies and Zebra Technologies Corporation have collaborated on the innovative system which could act as an early warning sign for health issues.

GEA collaborated closely with Zebra to create CowView, using real time location solutions (RTLS) to help farmers meet the demands of larger herds.

The CowView tag is hung from each animal's neck using specially designed collars. This tag then transmits the animal's location and activity to the preferred device of the farmer - PC, tablet or smartphone - via stationary sensors.

Jill Stelfox from Zebra said: "For the first time, farmers can now obtain a full and continuous analysis of the position and behaviour of each individual cow and use this knowledge to ensure the wellbeing of their animals."

CowView is currently monitoring 4000 cows across seven farms in Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark, and is now being installed in farms in the UK and Scandinavia.

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Defra shares new Sanitary and Phytosanitary guidance

News Story 1
 Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.

The agreement, which will change the movement and trade of animals and related products, could see reductions in checks, paperwork and certification. As well as describing regulatory developments, the advice highlights the importance of animal ID, registration and traceability in disease control and other compliance arrangements.

The guidance can be found here. More detail is expected as negotiations progress. 

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News Shorts
Lords Committee opens Pet Parasite Medication inquiry

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will launch its inquiry into Pet Parasite Medication (PPM) on Wednesday (3 June).

Focusing on treatments containing fipronil and imidacloprid, the inquiry will seek to understand distribution pathways and the impacts of PPM use and non-use on biodiversity and human health. It will also cover current regulation, monitoring, and the potential implications for pets and their owners.

The committee will hear evidence from environmental non-governmental organisations and research institutes. The public can follow the proceedings live on Parliament TV or in person in the Palace of Westminster.