Automation in Veterinary Diagnostics

This report details the development of "Hawkeye," a portable, on-farm diagnostic device for rapid detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (H5N1) in raw milk. In partnership with Hamilton Company, the project explores the intersection of veterinary diagnostics and automation, aiming to address critical biosecurity challenges faced by dairy farmers. Traditional centralized lab testing methods introduce delays that hinder timely intervention and increase the risk of viral spread. Hawkeye integrates sample preparation, centrifugation, and ELISA-based detection into a compact system capable of delivering results within an hour, directly on-site. The report outlines extensive need-finding research, design iterations, and functional prototyping to create a field-ready solution. The final system reflects both user-centered design principles and engineering feasibility, offering a novel approach to zoonotic disease surveillance in agriculture. The work lays the foundation for scalable, field-deployable diagnostics in the veterinary sector and highlights potential paths for commercial development and integration into broader livestock health monitoring platforms.