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Hewey on the scent to collar bio threats

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Jenne BrammerThe West Australian
Camera IconCredit: Detector dog Hewey at the Fremantle wharf. Pic by Helen Stathy

Three Perth-based biosecurity detector dogs — tasked with keeping WA free from new exotic pests and diseases — have expanded their beats to include the Fremantle wharf.

Department of Agriculture assistant director Louise Owen said Perth’s three biosecurity labradors Hewey, Harmony and Xtra have been patrolling the Fremantle wharf since November.

“The wharf is a new phase that the dogs and handlers are moving into, and in Perth we are leading the way nationally when it comes to deploying dogs in that environment,” she said.

Their job at the wharf is to screen incoming bulk cargo, such as cars and agricultural machinery for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug that could decimate Australia’s $60 billion agricultural industry.

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Camera IconCredit: Detector dog Hewey near the Fremantle wharf. Pic by Helen Stathy

Most of the dogs’ working days, however, are spent at the international airport and mail rooms, where they have been specifically trained to detect more that 200 high-risk biosecurity items, most commonly meat products, fruit and seeds, all potentially carrying pests or diseases that could cause major harm to the nation’s agriculture.

Alix Dunstan and airport detector dog Hewey.
Camera IconAlix Dunstan and airport detector dog Hewey. Credit: by Michael Wilson 28/01/20

During 2019, the three dogs sniffed out 1600 biosecurity risk items using their trained noses, from among the 37,500 flights and 4.5 million parcels arriving at Perth from abroad each year.

Handler Krystal Barlow said the work that each dog undertook differed daily.

“A roster is formulated based on the work load predicted for the week, focusing on the higher-risk areas and based on operational requirements,” she said.

“Usually it’s for a few hours at a time for each dog, as they need to give their noses and brains a rest.”

The dogs’ work will also alter according to external factors.

The recent risk of disease entering Australia has prompted additional training for the dogs, and the screening of more higher risk flights.

Ms Barlow said most of the department’s biosecurity detector dogs were selected between 14 and 24 months of age from Australian Border Force’s breeding program.

“Although beagles were previously used as biosecurity detector dogs, nowadays all are labradors, selected for their drive to hunt, co-operative nature and love of food, often used as a reward,” she said.

Training takes eight weeks and is focussed on imprinting scent recognition and responding appropriately. Handler training takes six weeks.

Alix Dunstan and airport detector dog Hewey.
Camera IconAlix Dunstan and airport detector dog Hewey. Credit: by Michael Wilson 28/01/20

Ms Owen said the dogs’ welfare was of the highest concern. As well as their work, they are exercised and played with by handlers. They sleep in kennels.

“When it’s time to retire, the dogs go to a lovely home, usually being adopted by their handler,” she said.

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