AHV (Animal Health Vision) has been granted a patent for its quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) technology, representing a significant advancement in the development of natural, science-backed solutions to support livestock health and resilience.

Marking a major step forward in natural, science-backed support for livestock health and resilience - the patent validates that AHV’s QSI Technology Extract has a clear, measurable effect on quorum sensing and biofilm formation.

Adam Robinson, managing director of AHV UK and Ireland, said: "This patent is an important milestone for AHV.

“It reinforces our focus on keeping cows healthy.

"By supporting natural immunity and herd resilience, cows can optimise their genetic potential and improve their lifetime production, with less reliance on antibiotics - contributing to improved profitability and sustainability for dairy businesses.”

The science behind the patent

Independent research indicates that over 80% of bacterial infections in livestock involve biofilm formation.¹

Biofilm acts as a protective shield, enabling bacteria to persist, evade immune response, and contribute to recurring udder, reproductive, and respiratory challenges.

AHV aims to keep animals healthy via key products that contain specific patented QSI Technology Extract, by influencing quorum sensing of bacteria, affecting biofilm-related disorders, thereby reducing the incidence of biofilm-related chronic conditions in ruminants, swine, poultry, and aquatic animals.

This mechanism supports the animal’s own immune function to work more effectively, enabling a more natural recovery process.

Where farmers see the difference on farm

The patented QSI Technology is already used in three AHV products widely recognised in dairy herd health. 

AHV Extra supports udder health by helping maintain normal somatic cell levels and resilience during challenges associated with Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus spp. and E. coli, which are commonly linked to recurrent mastitis. 

AHV Quick provides more rapid support where cows are facing more advanced udder or reproductive challenges, including mastitis, metritis, and chronic wound-related conditions. 

For calves, AHV ReaQt offers fast-acting respiratory and immune support during periods of increased vulnerability, helping reduce the incidence and impact of biofilm-associated respiratory conditions, including bovine respiratory disease. 

Across all three, products containing the patented QSI Technology support the animal’s natural immune response with no milk withdrawal, no meat withdrawal, and no risk to the bulk tank, enabling farmers to act early and confidently.

A step forward for herd health and sustainability

This patent supports AHV’s mission to shift herd management from reactive firefighting to proactive, animal-first care.

This has meaningful benefits on farms, including:

Healthier cows that recover more effectively;
Reduced reliance on antibiotics;
Lower recurrence of udder and reproductive challenges;
Improved performance and longevity.

Maarten van der Heijden, chief of Research and Product Development at AHV said: “Receiving this patent is a proud moment for our entire research and development team.

“This confirms the scientific foundation of our quorum sensing approach and reinforces our commitment to developing natural solutions with proven results.

"By promoting animal health and reducing the need for antibiotics, we help lower the risk of antibiotic resistance, supporting consumer demands for animal welfare and food safety.”

Patent information

Patent title: Compositions for disrupting biofilm formation and for supporting resilience to biofilm-related disorders

1. Abranches, J. et al., 2011. ↩︎