Budapest, February 20, 2025 – The future of animal health lies in technology. The University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest has expanded its research toolkit with a new DJI MAVIC 3T drone. Acquired through the Cibus Hungaricus Foundation, this advanced device, equipped with a sophisticated camera system, aids in livestock monitoring, early disease detection, and sustainable farming, opening new horizons for veterinary research and epidemic prevention.
The emergence of epidemics such as avian influenza and African swine fever seriously threaten livestock farmers and food chain security. Drone technology, however, can potentially revolutionize veterinary practices in animal welfare and epidemic control. Monitoring pastures and livestock is highly time-consuming, yet time is crucial in the event of an outbreak. With drones, professionals can map infected areas, assess animal movements, behaviour, and health status faster and more efficiently than ever before, facilitating authorities’ work and enabling quicker, more effective intervention.
The newly acquired DJI MAVIC 3T drone, equipped with thermal and multispectral cameras, can identify sick or injured animals with up to 90% accuracy. Additionally, this technology improves the monitoring of hygiene and epidemic control conditions in food production facilities. More efficient food safety inspections at large-scale livestock farms and slaughterhouses contribute to enhanced food chain security, ultimately making food products on consumers’ tables even safer and more reliable.
A research team at the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest has been studying the potential applications of drones since 2023. The drones previously acquired by the university and those now provided by the Cibus Hungaricus Foundation are used for developing epidemiological predictive models, diagnostic sampling, and animal welfare assessments. The goal of the epidemiological models is to identify critical areas in poultry farms through aerial imaging, which are then analyzed using artificial intelligence. Furthermore, drones collect air and water samples, facilitating more efficient data collection even in challenging terrains. The research also extends to the behavioural responses and stress levels of animals, as it is essential to examine how the presence of drones affects various livestock species. The drone research conducted at the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest is internationally significant, as only a few institutions worldwide utilize this technology for similar purposes.
The Cibus Hungaricus Foundation was established by five universities with the support of the Association of Hungarian Farmers’ Circles and Agricultural Cooperatives (MAGOSZ). The foundation’s mission is to enhance the competitiveness of producers and manufacturers, expand their market opportunities, support their integration, digitalization, and education, and establish a methodological centre for the development of digital short supply chains in the Carpathian Basin.
The shared goals of the University of Veterinary Medicine Budapest and the Cibus Hungaricus Foundation align with Hungary’s Digital Agricultural Strategy and the associated Digital Food Industry Strategy. These initiatives promote the rational and efficient use of digital solutions throughout the entire supply chain—from agricultural raw material production to the consumer.
