Global Animal Management, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the USA and Canada), introduced this week in the USA the eyeD Equine Identification System, a non-invasive, highly accurate, and secure equine identification solution based on the next innovation in equine identification and patient management for veterinarians.
eyeD was officially introduced during the 57th annual convention of American Association of Equine Practitioners in San Antonio, TX (USA).
The eyeD system is based on iris-scan technology. The system utilizes an eyeD iris scanner, similar to a digital camera to take an infrared picture of a horse’s iris. The picture is then assigned an identification code unique to that horse with 99.9 percent accuracy.
“eyeD will significantly enhance equine patient management and reveal new efficiencies and revenue streams for veterinary practices,” said David Knupp, marketing manager, Global Animal Management. “After 10 years of development, we’re very excited to get this technology in the hands of equine veterinarians who can put the technology to work for their clients and their businesses, as well as help identify and reunite lost or stolen horses with their owners.”
Non-invasive. Accurate. Secure. eyeD provides veterinarians and their clients with an innovative, non-invasive alternative to the complication and uncertainty of traditional identification methods, such as branding and tattooing.
“Veterinarians now can offer horse owners a non-invasive equine identification system that’s very reliable, accurate and repeatable,” said Monty McInturff, DVM, Tennessee Equine Hospital in Thompson’s Station, TN (USA). “This technology will help veterinary practices save time and prevent mistakes, but what really excites me about eyeD is that it will help us be difference-makers for the good of the horse.”
An eyeD iris scanner, which is similar to a digital camera, is used to capture the unique features of the animal’s iris to create an eyePrint™. Once connected to a computer with Global Animal Management’s proprietary eyeSync™ software, the eyePrint is sent to the eyeD processor where a unique 15-digit alphanumeric code is created.
eyeD is now available to equine veterinarians in the USA. Introduction of eyeD in markets outside the USA is under consideration. The eyeD Equine Identification System has been presented to the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung, which are currently evaluating the technology. For more information on eyeD, please visit http://www.veteyed.com.