Detective dog sniffs out tree disease in the UK for first time

Dogs have been used to successfully identify tree diseases in the UK for the first time – proving pooches aren’t just a man’s best friend.

Ivor, a six-year-old cocker spaniel-labrador cross, has been trained to identify a highly destructive and deadly pathogen which is dangerous to more than 150 plant species.

The phytophthora ramorum organism can cause extensive damage and even death to plants, including larch trees, which are important for timber.

Ivor’s detective training from Canine Assisted Pest Eradication included techniques such as initial scent recognition.

He aced the first test by successfully identifying the pathogen in soil, plant material and sterile distilled water.

The next phases included the introduction of new working environments and Ivor was able to distinguish phytophthora ramorum from other types of phytophthora.

In the trials, led by Forest Research, Ivor achieved an 89% first-time detection rate.

Dr Heather Dun, a forest research pathologist at the organisation, said the results of the 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,” she added.

Following the trial’s success with Ivor, Forest Research is exploring how detection dogs could be used to help combat other pests and diseases.

The move is the latest step in government action to combat the increasing threat of tree pests and diseases.

Sniffer dogs have previously been used to help protect the UK’s environment. In 2012, they were deployed to hunt out Asian longhorn beetles during an outbreak of the bugs in a Kent paddock.