Page 71 - AI for Good Innovate for Impact

AI for Good Innovate for Impact

• A standardized biometric animal identification system strengthens policies against animal
abuse, illegal pet trade, and pet abandonment. It enables effective law enforcement and
enhances animal welfare regulations.

2�3 Future work 4.1-Healthcare

With support from this program, we aim to develop and deploy an AI-powered biometric
animal registration system that uses technologies such as nose print and facial recognition to
enable non-invasive, smartphone-based animal identification. This approach provides a more
accessible and cost-effective alternative to traditional identification methods like RFID chips,
ear tattoos, and ear-notching, which are often invasive, expensive, and difficult to implement—
particularly in low-income regions where such approaches can be logistically and financially
prohibitive. The system will initially focus on companion animals, with features that include
tracking vital health information like rabies vaccinations—supporting initiatives such as the
WHO’s “Zero by 30” campaign to eliminate dog-mediated human rabies deaths by 2030.

Our immediate priority is to launch a robust mobile platform and pilot it in regions where
stray and unregistered animals pose public health risks. The system will later be expanded to
livestock such as cattle and horses to support broader needs in animal traceability, food safety,
and disease management. In collaboration with the Korea Racing Authority (KRA), we will also
develop a digital equine passport system that integrates biometric identification with health
and performance data to benefit the racing and breeding industries.

To drive global adoption, we plan to work with governments, NGOs, and international
standardization bodies. A key milestone will be the proposal of a new work item in ITU-T
Study Group 17 to expand the existing x.pet_auth framework [8] to cover livestock, enabling
standardized and interoperable animal identity systems worldwide. Through this initiative, we
aim to improve global animal welfare, strengthen public health systems, and promote inclusive
digital transformation in veterinary services.

3 Use case requirements

• REQ-01: The solution must support AI-based biometric recognition (nose pattern, face
landmarks, fur pattern) for various species including dogs, cattle, and horses.
• REQ-02: The solution must be usable via standard mobile devices (e.g., smartphones),
without the need for specialized scanners.
• REQ-03: The system must enable digital storage and retrieval of comprehensive animal
metadata, including identification details, vaccination history, and health information.
• REQ-04: The system must allow secure owner-pet identity linkage, ensuring accurate
identification and updates.
• REQ-05: The system should comply with global standards for animal identification and
data interoperability.
• REQ-06: The solution must support offline registration and sync when connectivity is
restored, especially for rural deployments.

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