Dogs trained to detect deadly tree pathogen

A highly destructive tree disease has been successfully identified by detection dogs in the UK as part of a “groundbreaking” project.

Six-year-old cocker spaniel x labrador, Ivor, detected Phytophthora ramorum, having been trained by Canine Assisted Pest Eradication in collaboration with Forest Research.

The deadly tree pathogen can be fatal to more than 150 species including larch, an important species for timber.

A variety of detection training techniques, including initial scent recognition, were used to train Ivor to distinguish Phytophthora ramorum from other Phytophthora species found in the same environments.