What does Artificial Intelligence mean for farm vets and animal welfare?

As the use of AI technology becomes increasingly common in veterinary settings, vet professionals are invited to attend a British Veterinary Association (BVA) Congress panel discussion AI on farms: is it good for vets and animal welfare? to explore the opportunities and potential pitfalls of using these cutting-edge technologies for managing farm animal health and welfare. 

The session, which will take place at BVA Congress at London Vet Show, will feature an expert panel chaired by BVA Junior Vice President Dr Gwen Rees. It follows a ‘hot topic’ debate on AI use across clinical and non-clinical veterinary settings at BVA Live in June earlier this year.  

Data from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey shows that 1 in 5 vets working in clinical practice are using AI. The most commonly reported benefits are data interpretation, improved diagnostic testing and saving time, while the most common risks are the possibility that results are interpreted without context or follow up checks, an overreliance on AI undermining human skills, and a lack of data protection. 

Interestingly, the survey also shows that compared to their colleagues in small animal practice, a higher proportion of farm animal vets are positive about the increased use of AI technology in the veterinary profession, with 41% saying they feel positive about the trend as opposed to only 29% of companion animal vets. 

Veterinary professionals visiting London Vet Show can learn more about how AI technology is being used on farms and what it means for animal health and welfare by joining our BVA Congress discussion with expert panellists including: 

• Jonathan Birch, Professor of Philosophy at the London School of Economics and Political Science and Principal Investigator, Foundations of Animal Sentience Project 

• Robert Hyde, co-founder of Vet Vision AI and Associate Professor at University of Nottingham 

• Paul Horwood, UK Country Head of Farm at IVC Evidensia 

BVA Junior Vice President Dr. Gwen Rees said:  

“The AI revolution presents an important opportunity for vets, particularly the potential benefits to diagnostic testing and interpreting large data sets, but it also comes with clear challenges and risks. With BVA’s position on the use of AI in the veterinary profession under development, this timely session will be a great opportunity find out the latest about the use of AI tools on farms and address some of the ethical questions, including the impact on the relationship between vets, farmers and the animals under their care. 

“Delegates will have a chance to pose questions to our incredibly knowledgeable panel, and I hope many of you will join us to add your voice to the discussion.” 

Vets with an interest in AI technology can join the discussion at London Vet Show from 1.30pm on 20 November 2025. 

You can view the BVA Congress programme here.