A six-year-old cocker spaniel-labrador has been trained to find a ‘deadly’ disease – his new skills are a game-changer
An incredible dog that can identify deadly tree diseases has been used in the UK for the first time.
Ivor, a six-year-old cocker spaniel – labrador cross can identify a deadly and highly destructive pathogen that can be dangerous to trees and plants. The pathogen has the potential to wipe out 150 species of foliage, with the phytophthora ramorum organism able to cause extensive damage – and even kill – plants and trees.
The pathogen can damage and kill larch trees, which are an important source of UK timber. Ivor undertook detective training with Canine Assisted Pest Eradication, with his training including various techniques, such as initial scent recognition. When he was put to the test, he instantly identified the pathogen in the soil, plant material, and sterile distilled water.
The next step of Ivor’s training included the process of introducing new working environments, where the dog was able to easily distinguish phytophthora ramorum from other types of phytophthora. During his trials, which were led by Forest Research, Ivor managed to achieve an 89 percent first-time detection rate for sniffing out dangerous pathogens.
Forest research pathologist, Dr Heather Dun said that the results of these trials are: “hugely encouraging and highlight the huge potential of dogs in our fight against pests and diseases. Biosecurity is essential and detection dogs like Ivor are an exciting new method for helping to protect our trees.”
After seeing Ivor’s success, Forest Research is now exploring how detection dogs could help to scout out other diseases and pests in UK forests. The move comes as the government begins to take further action to help combat the growing threat of pests and diseases.
This isn’t the first time that sniffer dogs have been used to keep the UK environment safe. Back in 2012, sniffer dogs were used to help hunt out the Asian longhorn beetle that had broken out in a paddock in Kent.
