Dogs are used in a number of different work situations. Some dogs are trained specifically to detect bombs, while others are trained to find drugs or missing persons. And now, following on from a Florida International University study, dogs may soon be used in the early detection of agricultural diseases too.

More than 300 million laurel trees have died from laurel wilt disease in the U.S. alone. One such plant to be affected by the disease is Florida’s second-largest tree crop, the avocado tree. Once the trees become infected it’s very hard to control as it seeps deep down into the roots, where it can easily spread to nearby trees.





Up until very recently, there was no way to diagnose or treat early the symptoms of this disease. But now, experts are confident they can use man’s best friend to do the job, offering hope for the avocado industry. To date, three dogs have been trained for this exact purpose. Canines are known for having an acute sense of smell. In fact, their olfactory system is capable of sniffing out odors at a concentration of 1 to 2 parts per trillion.

Moving forward, the researchers are hopeful that with the right training, these dogs will be more than capable of sniffing out the laurel wilt disease in avocados and will help save the industry as a result. Of the 229 trial carried out during the course of the study, only 12 of those gave false alerts. The study also demonstrated that even in harsh weather conditions the dogs were able to achieve high levels of performance.

“It is the best ‘technology’ so far that can detect a diseased tree before external symptoms are visible,” says co-author of the study, DeEtta Mills. The old saying that ‘dogs are a man’s best friend’ reaches far beyond a personal bond with their handler and trainer. It is depicted in their excitement every day as they deploy to the groves. Man’s best friend may even help save an industry.”





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