[Veterinarians and computers (author's transl)].

Uses of the computer in veterinary medicine are reviewed. The fact that the constantly increasing volume of the literature continues to be accessible is mainly due to the use of computers. In scientific research, the results of measurements and studies are being increasingly recorded and processed automatically. Diagnosis and epidemiology are promoted by more adequate processing and analysis of centrally collected data, as are herd management and disease control programmes in farm animals. In veterinary education, the computer is used as an aid in instruction. Administrations of practices are eminently suited for automation. Future developments in these fields are also discussed.