Use of Ear Tags for Early Disease Detection in Cattle

Task 1. Perform an exhaustive literature review of the current state of available (both commercially and under development) technology in ultra-high radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and/or the detection algorithms used with the tags to monitor animal health. This review should include descriptions of system configurations, costs, robustness of detection algorithms, and measures of effectiveness. In addition, a rough comparison of the efficacy and applicability of RFID tags to those of the previously developed UK continuous animal health monitoring system will be provided.. Task 2. Based on the results of Task 1, either • recommend commercially available system configurations for meeting DHS’s expressed needs, or • recommend modifications to commercially available systems that would increase their effectiveness, or • depending on funding availability, propose and develop, , new algorithms and alternative cost effective devices that might permit the effective use of low or high resolution data to provide tracking and traceability of animals, provide animal health monitoring, and/or enable early disease detection. Task 3. Based on the results of Task 2, determine whether field testing of selected concepts is appropriate and, subject to funding availability, conduct a limited number of tests to validate performance. Final deliverables will be (ARO = After Receipt of Order re funding) 1. 120 Days ARO. A report detailing the results of the literature review including, • Description of the study methodology; • Description of the infrastructure needed for each system (e.g., computing requirements for the algorithms, data storage needs, RF receivers, etc.); • Cost estimates for the detection infrastructure and individual ear tags; and • Estimates of each system’s ability to provide early, accurate disease detection. 2. 12 Months ARO. A report detailing the findings of Task 2, documenting the decisions made in regard to performance of the selected systems, applicability to DHS needs, and the algorithms found or developed. 3. 24 Months ARO. A report describing all field testing and results with recommendations for future work to improve the system performance.