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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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Strangles survey seeks views of horse owners

News Story 1
 With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.

The survey, which has been designed by Dechra, aims to raise awareness of Strangles and promote best practices to prevent its transmission. It includes questions about horse owners' experiences of strangles, together with preventative measures and vaccination.

Respondents to the survey will be entered into a prize draw to win two VIP tickets to Your Horse Live 2025. To access the survey, click here 

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News Shorts
Vivienne Mackinnon elected BVA Scottish Branch President

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has elected Vivienne Mackinnon as its new BVA Scottish Branch president.

Dr Mackinnon has over 30 years of experience in veterinary care, encompassing both small animal and mixed practice. She has worked in practices in Scotland, England, New Zealand and Australia, before joining APHA to work in frontline disease control.

In her speech, Dr Mackinnon reflected on the changes in Scotland's veterinary industry and highlighted her commitment to veterinary education.

Dr Mackinnon said: "I look forward to working with colleagues across the veterinary professions to improve animal health and welfare in the country and support veterinary workplaces."