An intermediate-technology pattern matching model of veterinary diagnosis.

An intermediate-technology pattern matching model and decision support system for veterinary diagnosis is described. Six diseases of cattle occurring in the tropics are used to illustrate the model. The pattern matching model is composed of a series of transparent overlays and a template. Each transparent overlay represents a sign state and contains sign frequency information for the diseases on the template. By superimposing multiple transparent overlays upon the disease template, a ranked list of differential diagnoses can be obtained. Ranking is by summation of disease sign frequencies. Modifications to accommodate observational uncertainty are presented. Disease prevalences can be represented in the model.