Pathogen Load Risk Matrix for Faster Livestock Disease Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and monitoring pathogen load in livestock are inefficient, lacking connectivity, and result in a time frame that exceeds the intervention window, limiting effective disease control in livestock production.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a risk matrix to evaluate pathogen load by assigning values for detection limits, disease occurrence thresholds, and likelihood factors, enabling rapid assessment of disease risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current best practice methods (stand-alone processes) are used for pathogen detection, then detection capability is provided, but the time to result far exceeds the intervention window
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple stand-alone detection processes into a single integrated system that combines sample collection, nucleic acid extraction, PCR amplification, and real-time detection into one continuous workflow. This integration eliminates transfer times between separate processes and enables automated sequential operations, reducing the total detection time from days to hours while maintaining detection precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-preparing reagents, primers, and reaction conditions before sample arrival. The automated extraction and amplification protocols are pre-programmed and ready to execute immediately upon sample input, eliminating setup delays and enabling rapid turnarround from sample collection to result delivery within the intervention window.
2Measurement precision
If current stand-alone processes are used, then pathogen detection is performed, but connectivity between processes is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated system implements feedback loops where detection results automatically trigger alerts to farmers and veterinarians, and where subsequent samples from the same herd are prioritized for processing. The system tracks the entire workflow from sample collection to result delivery, providing real-time status information and enabling coordinated responses across the livestock production chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The system serves multiple functions within a single platform: it detects various pathogens (viruses, bacteria, parasites), provides quantitative load measurements, tracks epidemiological data across herds, and delivers results through multiple channels (digital alerts, reports, databases). This multi-functionality ensures seamless connectivity between detection, analysis, and intervention processes.
3Productivity
If sensors and cameras are used for monitoring, then physical parameters can be detected, but these parameters are not correlated with pathogen loads
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses nucleic acid molecules as intermediaries that directly link the physical state of the livestock to pathogen identification. By detecting pathogen-specific DNA or RNA sequences through PCR amplification and real-time fluorescence detection, the system establishes a direct causal relationship between detected signals and pathogen presence, eliminating the indirect correlation problem of sensor-based physical parameter monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for monitoring pathogen load in livestock. The method uses a risk matrix to evaluate the risk of a pathogen load in livestock to cause a disease. A computer program product comprising code portions adapted for performing the method and a system for monitoring pathogen load in livestock are also described.