Experts to examine how artificial intelligence is reshaping diagnostics, decision-making, and animal welfare in modern farm practice.
LONDON: Artificial intelligence is rapidly entering veterinary medicine, and its growing use on farms is prompting important discussions about its benefits, risks, and long-term implications. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has announced a dedicated panel session—“AI on Farms: Is It Good for Vets and Animal Welfare?”—to be held at the upcoming BVA Congress during the London Vet Show.
The session, chaired by BVA Junior Vice President Dr. Gwen Rees, follows rising interest in AI across both clinical and non-clinical veterinary fields. It comes after a lively debate earlier this year at BVA Live, where veterinary professionals discussed the expanding influence of machine learning tools in everyday practice.
AI Use Increasing Across Veterinary Practice
New findings from BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey reveal that 1 in 5 vets in clinical practice now use AI. Reported benefits include:
- Enhanced data interpretation
- Improved diagnostic accuracy
- Significant time savings in routine workflows
However, vets also flagged major concerns:
- AI results may lack context without human review
- Overdependence on technology could weaken essential clinical skills
- Ongoing worries about data ownership and protection
Farm Vets Show Greater Enthusiasm for AI
The survey highlights a notable divide: 41% of farm animal vets express positive views about increased AI adoption, compared to 29% of companion animal vets.
This optimism is linked to AI’s growing role in large-scale diagnostics, herd-level monitoring, and rapid data-driven decision-making on farms.
Expert Panel to Explore Ethical and Practical Dimensions
Veterinary professionals attending the London Vet Show will have the chance to hear directly from leading voices shaping the future of AI in agriculture. Featured speakers include:
- Prof. Jonathan Birch, London School of Economics; Principal Investigator, Foundations of Animal Sentience Project
- Robert Hyde, co-founder, Vet Vision AI; Associate Professor, University of Nottingham
- Paul Horwood, UK Country Head of Farm, IVC Evidensia
The panel will examine how AI is already being deployed on farms, the ethical dilemmas it raises, and the potential impact on vet–farmer relationships and animal care standards.
A Timely Conversation for the Future of Veterinary Work
Dr. Gwen Rees emphasized the importance of the discussion, stating:
“The AI revolution presents a major opportunity for vets, especially in diagnostics and managing large data sets. But it also brings serious risks. This session will help us question how AI affects decision-making, animal welfare, and the traditional roles of vets on farms.”
She encouraged delegates to participate actively:
“Attendees will be able to challenge assumptions, hear diverse expert opinions, and help shape how the profession moves forward.”
Event DetailsSession: AI on Farms: Is It Good for Vets and Animal Welfare?
Date: 20 November 2025
Time: 1:30 PM
Venue: BVA Congress, London Vet Show
