Artificial intelligence could help livestock farms reduce blanket antibiotic use by identifying individual animals showing early signs of illness, according to Prof. Dr Goh Yong Meng of Universiti Putra Malaysia.
Speaking at the Global Animal Production and Veterinary Industry Summit (GAVIS) 2026 in Malaysia, Dr Goh said AI-powered systems using animal movement, sound and biometric data can enable earlier and more targeted intervention.
He cited a pig farm in China where AI detects coughing among individual animals, allowing treatment to be directed at affected cages rather than entire pens. Continuous monitoring could help veterinarians identify changes in behaviour and stress indicators before disease spreads, reducing the need for routine prophylactic medication.
Dr Goh also linked technology-driven health monitoring with One Health and One Welfare, stressing that better animal welfare can reduce disease risks and support public health.
He noted that animal welfare is increasingly becoming a trade consideration, as countries strengthen welfare requirements for livestock and animal products. Technology, regulation and appropriate production practices will therefore need to work together to improve animal health, welfare and antimicrobial stewardship.
