API Terms of Use – ACARiS Cow API
Version api-terms-v1 · As of 25 September 2026
This is a translation for convenience. The German version prevails.
1. Scope
1.1 These terms govern the use of the ACARiS Cow API (the "API") by the farm for which an API key is created (the "Farm").
1.2 They supplement the General Terms and Conditions (AGB) of ACARiS GmbH and the Data Processing Agreement including the technical and organisational measures (DPA/TOMs). Where these terms do not provide otherwise, the AGB and the DPA apply.
2. Service
2.1 The API allows automated, read-only retrieval of the Farm's data that ACARiS generates or processes as part of the booked services, e.g. the animal list, lameness scores, body condition scores (BCS) and alerts.
2.2 An API key is valid for exactly one farm. No data can be changed through the API.
2.3 Only data of services the Farm has booked and that are enabled for it is provided.
3. API keys
3.1 API keys are created in the Farm's ACARiS dashboard, by an authorised person of the Farm or by ACARiS on the Farm's behalf.
3.2 The Farm keeps its API keys secret. Every request made with one of the Farm's keys is deemed a request by the Farm.
3.3 The Farm can revoke keys at any time in the dashboard. If a key may have become known to unauthorised persons, the Farm revokes it without delay and informs ACARiS (support@acaris.net).
3.4 Keys are time-limited and end no later than their expiry date.
4. Passing a key to third parties
4.1 The Farm may give an API key to a third party, e.g. the provider of its herd-management software, so that it retrieves the data for the Farm.
4.2 The third party retrieves the data on behalf of and at the instruction of the Farm. The Farm is responsible for making the necessary agreements with the third party, in particular on data protection.
4.3 ACARiS is not responsible for the third party's processing of the retrieved data. Revoking the key ends the third party's access.
5. Permitted use
5.1 The API may only be used to retrieve the Farm's own data.
5.2 In particular, it is not permitted to attempt to access other farms' data, to circumvent access restrictions or rate limits, or to use the API in a way that impairs its operation.
5.3 ACARiS may limit the number of requests per period of time. The applicable limits are stated in the API documentation.
5.4 In the event of a breach or a security risk, ACARiS may suspend or revoke a key. ACARiS informs the Farm.
6. Decision support
6.1 Scores and alerts provided through the API support the Farm. They do not replace a veterinary examination or assessment by specialists such as hoof trimmers.
6.2 Data may be delayed, incomplete or incorrect. The API states when the data was last updated.
7. Availability and changes
7.1 ACARiS provides the API with reasonable care but does not guarantee any particular availability. Maintenance may temporarily prevent access.
7.2 ACARiS announces changes that affect existing integrations with reasonable notice. A published API version keeps its structure; substantial changes are released as a new version.
7.3 If ACARiS changes these terms, the new terms are shown in the dashboard for confirmation. If they are not confirmed within 30 days, the Farm's keys are paused until they are confirmed.
8. Data protection and logging
8.1 The DPA/TOMs and the ACARiS privacy policy apply to the processing of personal data.
8.2 ACARiS logs every request with the key identifier (not the key itself), time, requested resource, result, IP address and client identifier (user agent). The logs serve security, troubleshooting and proof of use and are kept for 12 months. The Farm can view the requests made with its keys in the dashboard.
8.3 The creation and revocation of keys and the confirmation of these terms are logged with person, time and version. The Farm and ACARiS are informed by email when a key is created or revoked.
9. Liability
The liability provisions of the AGB apply.
10. Term and termination
10.1 The Farm can stop using the API at any time by revoking its keys.
10.2 All of the Farm's keys end when the contract for the underlying services ends.
11. Final provisions
The final provisions of the AGB apply, in particular on applicable law and place of jurisdiction.