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AI experts create tool for donkey identification
The app could also identify health problems in donkeys.
The app could identify individual donkeys at a donkey sanctuary.

Experts from the University of Southampton are working on a new app, which could use artificial intelligence (AI) to identify individual donkeys.

The technology will allows visitors to the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary to use their phones to identify specific donkeys in the sanctuary’s herd.

The app has been named Ask ELVIS, which stands for Equine Long-range Visual Identification System. It has been named in memory of one of the Sanctuary’s first donkeys, Elvis, who died aged 35 last year.

As well as its uses for donkey identification, experts also believe the technology could be used to alert of health problems in donkeys.

Since donkeys often hide illnesses, it can often be difficult to get an early diagnosis of conditions. It is hoped that the technology will be able to recognise if a donkey is holding itself unnaturally or uncomfortably.  

In its current form, the app is expected to help those sponsoring an animal to identify their donkey from the sanctuary’s 108 residents.

The donkeys used to wear collars with their names on, before it was decided this that was not safe or comfortable for them. Since many donkeys do not have distinguishing features, identifying them in a herd can be challenging.

The app contains a library of hundreds of images of donkeys from all angles. Combined with deep learning technologies, it will be able to use these images to make decisions about the donkey it is identifying.

It is expecting to be released at the end of 2025.

Xiaohao Cai, assistant professor of computer science at the University of Southampton, said: “The app will use AI technology to automatically identify individual donkeys. The AI recognition will identify individual donkeys from all angles – their faces, as well as from the side or behind.”

“It’s a really exciting project. It’s great to be working on something that’s beyond our own research and to be able to help such a fantastic charity as the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary.”

Image © Shutterstock

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
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RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."