AN innovative augmented reality app to help sheep producers identify signs of emergency animal diseases was launched at the Growing SA conference in Hahndorf last week.

The Sheep Emergency Animal Disease (EAD) Augmented Reality (AR) app ‘Sheep EAD AR’ was developed to help producers recognise signs that could indicate exotic disease in their animals.

The tool uses augmented reality technology to project a digital flock of sheep integrated with the user’s real life surroundings.

Helping South Australia’s Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Claire Scriven, centre, use the app, were Think Digital chief executive officer Kat Bidstrup, left, and from PIRSA’s red meat and wool program manager Emily Mellor.

Using a Microsoft Hololense headset, sheep producers can inspect a virtual flock and learn to recognise signs to select sick sheep. The app can also be used on a mobile phone or tablet, without a headset.

Emergency animal diseases included in the app are foot and mouth disease (FMD), bluetongue, scrapie and sheep pox.

Animal Health Australia’s head of biosecurity, Dr Rob Barwell was at the launch of the new app in Adelaide.

“We want to ensure sheep producers have access to tools and resources that help them identify the signs of emergency animal diseases that may impact their animals, so they can be confident to seek veterinary advice in a prompt manner,” he said.

“This is now more evident than ever with the recent outbreak of FMD in Indonesia and it is exciting to see new and innovative products like the Sheep EAD AR app launched and available through the app stores.”

The free app was developed by a collaboration between PIRSA, Animal Health Australia and Think Digital, and can be downloaded by searching ‘Sheep EAD AR’ in the Appstore, Google Play and Microsoft App Store.

PIRSA said the tool has been developed for educational purposes and cannot be used to diagnose disease. If you notice unusual symptoms in your animals, immediately call the Emergency Animal Disease Watch Hotline on 1800 675 888 or your local vet.

Click on the following link to see a video about the app.

Helping South Australia’s Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Claire Scriven, centre, use the Sheep EAD AR app  were Think Digital chief executive officer Kat Bidstrup, at left, and PIRSA’s red meat and wool program manager Emily Mellor.