Australia’s biosecurity frontline has been once again strengthened, with a fresh cohort of biosecurity detector dogs graduating and officially taking up duty at airports, seaports and mail centres across the country.
The newest group of 6 detector dogs have completed 8 weeks of intensive training and having successfully graduated, are now deployed into operational environments. Their deployment comes at a crucial time, as increasing global trade, travel and climate pressures heighten the risk of exotic pests and diseases reaching Australia’s shores.
The graduating dogs—Labrador Retrievers selected for their intelligence, temperament and drive—have each been paired with a highly skilled handler. Together, they will form part of a mobile, fast-response capability designed to detect biosecurity risk items that could threaten Australia’s agriculture, environment and way of life.
Training involved learning how to detect 9 target odour groups, representing more than 200 risk commodities such as meat, fruit, seeds and plant material. Trainers specialised in canine behaviour, response techniques and frontline operational protocols ensured the new detector dogs can work confidently and safely in a variety of dynamic environments. Partnered with an experienced handler, the detector dogs will further refine their skills and capabilities in the field.
Program Director Kirsty Blair said the new graduates have demonstrated exceptional capability from day one.
“This cohort of young dogs have already shown plenty of potential with great temperaments, drive and scent detection capability being evidenced throughout their early training,” she said.
“They’re ready for the challenges of the biosecurity frontline, and we’re incredibly proud to welcome them into the national detector dog program.”
The importance of the department’s detector dog capability continues to grow. Each year detector dog teams intercept tens of thousands of biosecurity risk items, reinforcing their role as one of Australia’s most critical detection tools. Working alongside x-ray screening and other border technologies, our detector dog capability remains an essential pillar of Australia’s world-leading biosecurity system.
Deputy Secretary, Justine Saunders commended the new graduates, their trainers and the dedicated staff behind this national significant capability.
“Every detection helps prevent harmful pests and diseases from entering Australia,” Ms Saunders said.
“Their work safeguards our environment, supports our agriculture industry, and protects our way of life.”
With their foundational training complete, their harnesses fitted, and noses ready, Australia’s newest biosecurity detector dogs are poised to make an immediate impact—one sniff at a time.
