From white coat and gumboots to virtual reality and digitalisation: where is veterinary medicine now?

Abstract

The paper reviews the current role of information and communication technologies in veterinary medicine, management of animal health, animal production and food safety worldwide and discusses the shift from recognising the digital revolution as a novelty to accepting it as a norm. Due to the diversity in veterinary medicine, it is unlikely that information and communication technologies will fully substitute the need for field veterinarians in direct contact with animals, farms, diseases, food production and food products. However, information and communication technology has a growing role in our work and provides opportunities to exploit new technologies for professional and societal affirmation. Consumers, trade and regulations drive demands on veterinary medicine, reflected in our increased focus on prevention and early recognition of animal diseases and food safety issues through output-based and integrated monitoring systems and shared responsibility between public and private sectors. Simultaneously, information and communication technology has been incorporated within these demands and so now has roles in: veterinary clinical practice, heard health management, animal health databases, traceability of animals and their products, trade and veterinary certification, animal disease data analysis, tools for veterinary education and animal health diagnostics. The symbiosis of bio- and information technologies has opened a new era in health and food production, providing a novel chance for veterinarians to make a significant leap in their professional development, achievable only through strategic and active participation as leaders and collaborators.