VetCompass Australia: A National Big Data Collection System for Veterinary Science

VetCompass Australia is veterinary medical records-based research coordinated with the global VetCompass endeavor to maximize its quality and effectiveness for Australian companion animals (cats, dogs, and horses). Bringing together all seven Australian veterinary schools, it is the first nationwide surveillance system collating clinical records on companion-animal diseases and treatments. VetCompass data service collects and aggregates real-time, clinical records for researchers to interrogate, delivering sustainable and cost-effective access to data from hundreds of veterinary practitioners nationwide. Analysis of these clinical records will reveal geographical and temporal trends in the prevalence of inherited and acquired diseases, identify frequently prescribed treatments, revolutionize clinical auditing, help the veterinary profession to rank research priorities, and assure evidence-based companion-animal curricula in veterinary schools. 

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McGreevy, P., Thomson, P., Dhand, N.K., Raubenheimer, D., Masters, S., Mansfield, C.S., Baldwin, T., Soares Magalhaes, R.J., Rand, J., Hill, P., Peaston, A., Gilkerson, J., Combs, M., Raidal, S., Irwin, P.J., Irons, P., Squires, R., Brodbelt, D., Hammond, J. 2017. VetCompass Australia: A National Big Data Collection System for Veterinary Science. Animals. 7, 74; doi:10.3390/ani7100074.