Sniffing a key step to protecting our state

Matthias Collins
Posted on 04 May, 2024

Sniffing a key step to protecting our state

Detector dog Errol and handler Ryan Butcher have come to Quercus Park for a pat and a chat about biosecurity.

Biosecurity Tasmania Detector Dog Unit member Ryan Butcher and his loyal detector dog Errol were greeted by a group of Agfest patrons as they joined the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania's (NRE Tas) biosecurity exhibit.

"Errol's definitely here to meet the community and get a few pats, but otherwise we're here to raise about the important work these dog's do regarding the state's biosecurity measures," Ryan says.

Biosecurity detector dogs are trained to detect and prevent any possible biohazards from entering our island state.

"We use the dogs for quarantine, so they are trained to detect any fruit and vegetables, plant materials, eggs or meat and honey, so pretty much everything that might be determined a biohazard."

"We allocate dogs across all ports and arrival points to ensure all bases are covered. So that extends from our airports and freight sheds to Australia Post and cruise ships such as the Spirit of Tasmania."

With regard to training, detector dogs are subject to up to twelve months of specific teaching enforcement and exercise, with the time varying depending on the environment they have been chose to operate in.

Detector dog Errol has just brought up a year on the job.

"We receive our dogs from Dog Force Australia and then they come down for the training courses. Although all the dogs undergo the necessary programs, training is always ongoing," Ryan says.

"We like to use positive reinforcement, which involves rewarding the dog with treats or toys for the correct behaviour. We also use what we call a marker if they find an odour and sit with their bums on the ground, which tells them they've done the right thing."

To find out more about Biosecurity Tasmania or NRE Tas head to the NRE Tas site on S70 South Street.

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