There will be at least three stink bug-sniffing dogs patrolling the border this high-risk season.
The specialist dogs have been used successfully since 2017 for screening of cargo and surveillance of transitional facilities and other sites.
Five dogs have been trained to detect brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) under Biosecurity New Zealand’s world-first programme. Labrador Georgie was the first, but is due for retirement, as is her canine colleague Nova. That leaves Bodie, Yamba, and Ally to pick up the reins.
Prior to lockdown, Biosecurity New Zealand were actively looking for new dogs with bug-sniffing potential but found nothing suitable. The search continues…
