Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV, drones) have been used to observe beef cattle; flying below 33m (100 ft) caused animal flight. Objectives were to learn to fly UAVs and evaluate UAV disease (Dz) monitoring and dairy cattle response. Current Dz detection and recording methods for cows and calves were studied. Experts in piloting and operating UAV assisted in model selection and hands on flight training; 2 UAVs were purchased, and flying, still and video photography, and data handling skills were gained. A questionnaire about Dz recording was developed for key farm personnel, and live color and thermal images and videos were captured by UAV on 4 dairy farms with large housing areas. Animal acclimation was achieved by first flying at 33 m, and then reducing flight altitude in 8 m increments; final tolerated height was approximately 4.3 m (14 ft). Animals in high-traffic areas adapted to UAV sooner than those in low-traffic areas, but all required <15 min. Animal ID was clear. Thermal imaging recorded cows’ skin temperature within 0.1°C, but black vs. white hide color, sun and shade affected the observed temperature by approximately 17°C. Cows with metritis or in estrus were detected by thermal imaging, but clinical mastitis was not readily detected by UAV. All farms used >1 method to record Dz. Cow records: notebook to computer 50% of farms, computer only 25%, white board 75%, cell phone 50%, text 25%. Calf records: white board 75%, chart 50%, hutch cards 50%, notebook 25%, kids tell 25%. Cows’ mastitis, metabolic, reproductive and GI Dz were recorded on all farms, keratitis 75%, twisted cecum 25%. Calves’ diarrhea and respiratory Dz were recorded on 75%, diarrhea severity and appearance 50%, respiratory severity 50%. Treatment (Tx) recording: Cows’ mastitis, metabolic, reproductive Txs and surgery were recorded on all farms. Calves: diarrhea, respiratory, follow up Txs all were recorded on 75%, none 25%. Users of Dz records: herdsperson and calf feeders 100%, veterinarian 75%, owner 75%, head milker 50%. Three producers owned UAV, and all were interested in UAV for possible animal and facility monitoring including thermal imaging, an area needing further research.