Detection Dogs Proven Effective in Locating Deadly Tree Disease
In a groundbreaking move for forest protection, the UK has successfully trained detection dogs to pinpoint a destructive tree disease. The highly accurate canines offer a potentially revolutionary tool in the fight against Phytophthora ramorum, a pathogen that poses a significant threat to numerous tree species, including vital timber sources like larch.
A Canine’s Keen Nose: Training Success for Ivor
Ivor, a six-year-old Spanador – a cross between a cocker spaniel and a labrador – achieved an impressive 89% success rate in identifying the pathogen during initial trials. This achievement is a testament to the specialized training Ivor received. His olfactory abilities were honed through various scent-recognition methods, exposing him to Phytophthora ramorum in diverse environments like soil, plant material, and sterile distilled water.
Further training demanded Ivor’s focus amidst complex scenarios, simulating real-world detection challenges. He learned to distinguish the scent of Phytophthora ramorum from other Phytophthora species commonly found in the same areas.
“These results have been incredibly encouraging, highlighting the huge potential of dogs in our fight against tree diseases,” said Dr. Heather Dun, a Forest Research Pathologist at a world-leading research organization. “Biosecurity is incredibly important, and detection dogs like Ivor are an exciting new method for helping to protect our trees.”
Protecting Britain’s Trees: The Growing Threat of Pests and Diseases
Phytophthora ramorum is just one among many threats facing the UK’s forests and woodlands. The increasing globalization of trade and the rapidly changing climate are contributing to the spread of new and dangerous pests and diseases, posing significant risks to the health and diversity of these vital ecosystems.
“Climate change and globalization are increasing the number and the diversity of pests and diseases our nation’s trees and plants are exposed to. These new threats can cause significant damage, economic losses and in many cases, tree death,” said Professor Nicola Spence, the UK’s Chief Plant Health Officer.
“This groundbreaking research using detection dogs to identify Phytophthora ramorum, alongside other innovative approaches to tackle pests and diseases, will play a key role in maintaining biosecurity to meet the vision set out in our world-leading Plant Biosecurity Strategy.”
Expanding Canine Detection Efforts for Forest Health
Inspired by the success of Ivor’s training, Forest Research is actively exploring the use of detection dogs to combat other major forest threats. One target is the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus), a devastating pest already impacting conifer forests across Europe. This commitment aligns with the priorities outlined in the GB Plant Biosecurity Strategy, which emphasizes proactive measures to protect the nation’s forests and woodlands.
How does the use of detection dogs compare to other methods of identifying tree disease?
## A Sniff in Time Saves the Trees
**Interviewer:** Welcome to the show! Today we’re discussing an innovative approach to fighting tree disease: detection dogs. Joining us is Dr. Helen Price, lead researcher at Forest Research, who has been spearheading this impressive project. Welcome, Dr. Price.
**Dr. Price:** Thank you for having me. It’s exciting to talk about this breakthrough.
**Interviewer:** Your team has successfully trained a dog named Ivor to detect Phytophthora ramorum, a devastating disease affecting our forests. Could you tell us a little about how this works?
**Dr. Price:** Absolutely. Ivor, a six-year-old Spanador, has an incredible sense of smell. We’ve trained him to identify the unique scent of Phytophthora ramorum, even in complex environments like soil and plant material [[1](https://www.independent.co.uk/climate-change/news/labrador-experts-asian-kent-b2656306.html)
**Interviewer:** That’s remarkable! What’s Ivor’s success rate?
**Dr. Price:** In our initial trials, Ivor achieved an impressive 89% success rate. This demonstrates the potential of using dogs for early detection, allowing for quicker intervention and hopefully preventing widespread outbreaks.
**Interviewer:** What are the next steps for this project? Will we see more detection dogs patrolling our forests?
**Dr. Price:** We are absolutely exploring this possibility. The success with Ivor has been incredibly encouraging. We’re now looking into training more dogs to detect other tree diseases, like Ips typographus, also known as the eight-toothed spruce bark beetle.
**Interviewer:** This certainly seems like a promising development in the fight to protect our forests. Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Dr. Price.
**Dr. Price:** It was a pleasure. We believe this could be a game-changer in forest protection.
