ChatBot Webpage: Link
Ever Julián Arboleda Ardilla.
This project was conducted as part of the "Careers with Impact" program during the 14- week mentoring phase. You can find more information about the program in this post.
Avian influenza represents a growing threat in Latin America, not only because of its impact on animal health, but also because of its implications for human health, the rural economy and food security. In Mexico, where poultry farming is one of the main productive activities, an outbreak can cause millions of dollars in losses, affect the livelihoods of small producers and jeopardize public health on a large scale.
In Mexico, for example, the poultry industry generates more than 63% of livestock production and is vital for national consumption, with an average of 378 eggs consumed per capita annually (Industria Avícola). This relevance makes any outbreak a considerable food safety .
Recent outbreaks in Sonora and Jalisco during 2023 more than 84 million birds, underscoring the urgency of having tools for prevention, monitoring and early containment of the disease (Government of Mexico
This risk became more tangible after the confirmation, on April 1, 2025, of the first human case of avian influenza A (H5N1) in the country. The patient, a three-year-old girl resident in Durango, was diagnosed by the Institute of Epidemiological Diagnosis and Reference (InDRE) and is currently hospitalized in serious condition. Faced with this situation, health authorities implemented immediate actions such as: notification to the WHO, training of health personnel, active epidemiological surveillance and wildlife monitoring in the area. Although no cases have been detected in poultry production units, the following actions have been taken
The fact that this is a worrying precedent in the animal-human interface and highlights the need to improve information and prevention channels in the field (Secretaría de Salud, 2025).
Despite existing protocols issued by SENASICA, WHO, FAO and OIE, their practical application remains limited, especially for those working directly with poultry in rural areas. This gap between technical knowledge and its effective implementation in the field highlights the need for tools that translate regulations into accessible and understandable actions.
This chatbot responds to the urgent need to provide accessible and confidible information, a key element for eficiently managing health risks. The experience of the Ebola outbreak in West Africa (2014-2016) underscores how the strategic use of digital tools can transform the response to health emergencies. During that crisis, WHO and others implement platforms such as U-Report, an SMS-based interactive messaging tool that facilitated the dissemination of prevention and control information, and mHero, a platform that connected health workers to coordinate efforts and provide real-time training (WHO, 2023). These tools not only improved public understanding, but also accelerated coordinated responses in hard-to- reach areas (Unicef).
Recent studies have shown that artificial intelligence-based chatbots can be eficient tools in health crisis contexts, as evidenced during the COVID-19 pandemic. In an exploratory review, Mahdavi et al. (2024) identified multiple benefits of these systems, including information dissemination, early detection, connection to health services, and combating misinformation. Their analysis concludes that the use of NLU platforms such as Google Dialogflow or Rasa enables the development of accessible and effective solutions for health emergencies (Mahdavi et al., 2024).
In this sense, the avian influenza chatbot developed for Mexican farms is aligned with these conclusions, by providing clear answers, adapted to the rural environment and based on oficial information. This initiative not only responds to a specific need of the poultry sector, but also represents a suitable and replicable solution to improve the health response to emerging zoonotic threats.
In this context, the objective of this project is to develop a chatbot specialized in avian influenza, oriented to provide clear, verified and contextualized answers to frequently asked questions from poultry producers, both from industrial and backyard farms. Using artificial intelligence simulations to identify and classify the most relevant questions, answers were developed based on official sources, which were later integrated into a conversational tool accessible through Botpress.
Unlike platforms such as U-Report (focused on mass communication via SMS) or mHero (focused on healthcare personnel), this chatbot stands out for its technical, interactive and contextualized approach. It acts as a conversational assistant capable of adapting to the user's query flow and providing personalized answers based on evidence, with a direct focus on localized prevention, technical training and decision making in the field.
This project not only responds to an urgent need for reliable information in real time, but also proposes a replicable model for other zoonotic diseases. It contributes to the strengthening of rural public health, the digital transformation of agriculture and livestock, and rapid response to health emergencies, promoting the strategic use of technology to empower communities in vulnerable areas.
How can an interactive chatbot provide clear, accurate and accessible information for poultry workers and health professionals in Mexico, specifically through frequently asked questions and prevention protocols, to reduce the risks associated with avian influenza outbreaks?
To develop an informative chatbot, based on artificial intelligence, that provides accessible and contextualized answers about avian influenza, in order to strengthen the prevention, management and mitigation of the risk of contagion in Mexican poultry farms, based on official and validated sources.
The development of the chatbot was carried out with an agile approach, aimed at creating a functional, scalable Minimum Viable Product (MVP) adapted to the needs of Mexican poultry producers. The methodological process was structured in six phases, all of them supported by experiments with language models, technical reviews, design criteria, and functional validations with real comparisons. A detailed breakdown by phase is presented below:
An exhaustive search and selection of technical and operational materials issued by national and international entities specialized in animal health and biosafety was carried out. Among the resources were documents from SENASICA, CDC, WHO, FAO, EPA and APHIS. This compilation included protocol manuals, notification forms, humane slaughter procedures, PPE use instructions, cleaning and disinfection guides, and checklists adapted to the Mexican context.
The selection of these sources allowed us to build a technical document base on which the chatbot responses would be developed. This phase also considered the organization of visual resources and external links, to ensure a comprehensive consultation experience for the final user. To consult the sources and official pages with which the ChatBot has been trained, you can consult it through this link.
Using the methodology based on AI simulations, three experiments were carried out with language models: ChatGPT 4.5, DeepSeek and LLaMA (Meta AI). In each case, a realistic scenario was posed in which a poultry farmer at the "Grupo Avícola" farm (Jalisco, Mexico) faced a situation of suspected or outbreak of avian influenza. The models were asked to generate all the questions that this worker would ask a specialized chatbot.
As a result, more than 150 questions were obtained, divided into areas such as: biosecurity, disinfection, vaccination, notification to authorities, outbreak management, personnel training, regulations and protocols, among others. The responses were analyzed, refined and organized thematically to form a corpus of real needs of the user. This list of questions can be consulted in Annex I , or through the ChatBot's oficial web page in the "Technology and Development" section.
With the unified list of key questions obtained in the previous phase, we proceeded to classify the consultations according to topics and frequency of occurrence. Blocks were established such as: prevention, outbreak response, use of PPE, institutional contact, good practices, communication, and health surveillance.
Each question was answered using the technical documents selected in Phase 1. The answers were written with criteria of clarity, applicability and adaptation to the language of poultry workers. The use of unnecessary technicalities was avoided and priority was given to structures that facilitated direct action, such as step-by-step recommendations or specific instructions.
For the development of the chatbot specialized in avian flu, Botpress was used (Available at: https://botpress.com/es), an open source platform designed to build, manage and deploy conversational assistants in a modular and scalable way. Botpress allows working with visual fluices, conditional rules, interactive cards and knowledge bases, which makes it a
ideal tool to implement user-centered solutions with a technical and educational approach.
The chatbot development was divided into two main flows:
This flow welcomes the user with a clear and friendly message, aligned with the professional, accessible and empathetic tone needed to communicate with poultry producers. Immediately thereafter, the system connects to a knowledge base called "Avian Influenza Answers," which contains verified information on symptoms, prevention measures, use of protective equipment, and official health protocols. The overall chatbot instruction was designed to ensure that all responses maintain a close but rigorous voice, befitting a rural production environment.
This flow contains a multiple option block where the user can choose between different visual themes, such as:
As we can see in Figure 2, each of these options addresses a card that sends a specific message accompanied by an educational image, facilitating the visual understanding of the preventive measures.
It represents the "Images" node, where the user can choose from multiple visual options on avian influenza protection measures. Each option leads to a specific card that provides educational content in the form of images or related messages.
The start of the conversational flow is shown with a welcome card that gives way to a connection to the knowledge base. The tone of the chatbot is configured as friendly, professional and clear, focused on people working in the poultry industry. An instruction to activate the flow of images is also included.
These flow were built using the Botpress graphical interface (Figure 1), which allows dragging and connecting cards, facilitating the creation of logical and personalized conversational paths. In addition, navigation conditions and return connections were configured to ensure a fluid and nonlinear experience, allowing the user to navigate between content without the need to restart the flow.
Finally, the chatbot is complemented by a dynamic knowledge base that can be updated as new healthcare guidelines emerge. sanitation guidelines arise. This ensures that the tool remains current and useful in changing environments, reinforcing its value as a prevention and technical training solution for avian influenza outbreaks.
To validate the chatbot performance against other models (ChatGPT o4 and DeepSeek), three key conversations were designed. The types of conversations they were subjected to are listed below:
Conversation 1: Simulates a suspicious outbreak on a backyard farm in Durango. Responses to questions about symptoms, immediate action, contact with authorities and treatment are analyzed. The project's chatbot provided contextualized, practical and tailored responses to the user language. GPT-4 was more extensive, but generic. DeepSeek had limited and less applicable answers.
Conversation 2: Evaluated the ability to generate visual content in response to questions about PPE donning, disinfection and sick birds. The chatbot integrated images directly into the flow. GPT-4 referred to external tools, generating generic images. DeepSeek responded only with textual descriptions and links to unavailable sources.
Conversation 3:
Raised malicious use of the chatbot (outbreak concealment, intentional propagation). Project chatbot stopped interactions with preventative and ethical messages. GPT-4 was ambiguous in some cases. DeepSeek did not detect all threats.
These tests showed that the chatbot offers a better experience adapted to the Mexican environment, with visual capabilities and safe interaction; however, it is necessary to continue with its training to obtain much more specific, higher quality and constantly updated answers. To access the conversations and responses of each case, it can be done through this document.
The last phase of the process focused on documenting the entire development, from the construction of the knowledge base to the selection of tools, the design of flow, the prompts used and the technical decisions. This systematization allows the model to be replicated for other zoonotic issues such as foot-and-mouth disease, swine influenza, COVID-19, or even human diseases.
The project contemplates possible extensions such as integration of monitoring panels, geolocated alerts, and collection of anonymous feedback to improve system responses. In addition, a user survey, improvements to the website, and development of complementary materials such as interactive tutorials and downloadable guides for field training are planned.
As part of the results of the "Chatbot for the Prevention of Avian Influenza in Mexico" project, a functional website was developed to serve as the main platform for accessing the chatbot and information related to the management and prevention of outbreaks in poultry farms (Figure 3). This site has been designed with an accessible and practical approach, facilitating navigation and access to key content for poultry workers and public health professionals.
The image shows the main section of the project website, highlighting the message "Fast and Efficacious Prevention". It invites users to test the chatbot, highlighting its ability to provide rapid responses based on validated prevention protocols. The interface is aimed at poultry producers, promoting immediate action in case of possible outbreaks.
The website is organized in several informative sections. One of them details, in a clear and didactic way, how the chatbot works, its purpose, and the benefits it brings as a quick consultation tool (Home). In addition, video tutorials have been included to guide users on how to use the platform and get the most out of it.
The "Technology and Development" section addresses the development process of the chatbot, explaining how its training was carried out through information gathered from relevant and reliable sources, such as international organizations and health authorities. This section aims to provide transparency about the methodology used, allowing users to understand on what basis the answers are generated and why the tool can be useful in health risk situations.
On the other hand, a "Collaboration" section has been implemented, where the actors in the sector are invited to share suggestions, experiences and comments that contribute to improving the chatbot. This section allows you to select the type of feedback, categorizing according to the user's profile: Veterinarian, Poultry Worker or Other.
This classification facilitates the organization of contributions and allows to adapt future improvements to the system according to the specific needs of each group. This strengthens the continuous improvement process and ensures that the tool evolves in tune with the real contexts of the poultry field.
Conversation 1: Critical information about an outbreak on a backyard farm
To evaluate the usefulness, extent, specificity, and relevance of the information provided by different language models in the face of a realistic avian influenza outbreak scenario.
A small producer in Durango, Mexico, detects suspicious symptoms in his birds. He seeks immediate guidance on how to act and which authorities to contact.
ChatBot - Project |
It offered concrete answers, adapted to the Mexican context, with a focus on immediate actions and local contact. The language was accessible, direct and appropriate for backyard producers. |
GPT-4 |
It provided extensive and detailed answers, with general content on avian influenza, but without adapting the answers to the local context or suggesting specific authorities. |
DeepSeek |
Responses were more limited in detail and length. At times it used more technical and general language, without offering clear courses of action for the user. |
The project's ChatBot demonstrates greater utility for real scenarios of immediate attention. It allows for more personalized interaction, responding in a staggered manner. GPT-4 and DeepSeek offer more content, but less direct applicability. See full documentresults .
Conversation 2: Visual Applications and Illustrated Guides
Evaluate the ability of the models to generate or describe useful images related to biosafety and PPE use.
A producer seeks visual guidance to correctly don protective equipment and disinfect her environment.
Model |
Results obtained |
ChatBot - Project |
Responds with customized illustrative images, accompanied by simple explanations. Offers visual options within the conversational flow, prioritizing practical understanding. |
GPT-4 |
Provided detailed descriptions, but relied on external links or additional image generators. Required additional steps to view content. |
DeepSeek |
It showed limitations in the generation of visual resources and focused on textual descriptions without direct visual interaction. |
The project's ChatBot offers a more user-friendly and functional visual experience. It is especially useful for non-technical users looking for clear graphical guides to protect themselves or act on an outbreak.View full results document.
Conversation 3: Detection of malicious requests
Analyze the ability models to identificate and block malicious requests that seek to evade regulations or spread disease.
A user attempts to obtain information to hide an outbreak and avoid penalties, or even intentionally spread the disease.
Model |
Results obtained |
ChatBot - Project |
Detected malicious attempts and responded with clear warnings, encouraging notification to authorities and rejecting dangerous suggestions. Showed firmeza and empathetic language. |
GPT-4 |
He mostly blocked questions with ethical caveats, although he occasionally allowed ambiguous or indirect answers. |
DeepSeek |
It presented more lax responses in the filtro, with some neutral responses that did not completely deter the user's intent. |
The project's ChatBot shows a preventive and clear approach to risk situations, aligned with ethical and regulatory principles. It is more effective in stopping malicious interactions which could have health implications. View full results document.
This project marks a first step in the application of specialized conversational tools in rural and productive contexts, such as poultry farms. From its development and testing, new lines of research, potential improvements and key actors emerge that could strengthen future versions of the chatbot.
What could be the next thing to be investigated?
It would be valuable to explore how the chatbot can be integrated with early warning systems, geolocation or epidemiological databases, to provide even more personalized recommendations. The actual impact of the chatbot in modificating preventive behaviors could also be investigated, as well as its eficiency in the face of misinformation in areas of difficult digital access. Another emerging topic is the use of multilingual models that can respond in indigenous languages or local dialects.
What changes could be made to it in case replication is desired? For replication, it would be advisable to adapt the content to the
zoonotic disease of interest and to the cultural and productive environment of the new territory. This includes modificating images, adjusting the communicative tone, updating the knowledge base and, if necessary, allowing integration with popular channels in the region (such as WhatsApp, Telegram or community platforms). In addition, offline or semi-autonomous functionality could incorporated in case of areas with limited connectivity.
The participation of community veterinarians, health promoters, academics from the agricultural sector, software developers with a social focus, and non-governmental organizations can broaden the reach of the chatbot. It would also be key to involve public institutions and networks of small producers, who would not only validate the content, but also facilitate its dissemination and adoption in the field. Likewise, ministries of health and agriculture could integrate it as part of their prevention and response strategies.
To consult all the sources used in the construction of the chatbot, including oficial documents, health guides, scientific articles and institutional publications, you can access the complete database at the following link:
□ Avian Influenza Reference Database - Notion
This compilation includes material from agencies such as WHO, FAO, SENASICA, CDC, among others, and was key to ensuring that the chatbot content is based on confidable and up-to-date evidence.
