By Emmy Powell
Communications Specialist
The entry of foreign animal diseases is one of the major agricultural concerns in the country. Canines, called the Beagle Brigade, have been trained to detect diseases and are aiding in preventing foreign diseases from entering the U.S.
There are over 116 agricultural canine teams screening at border crossings, airports, cruise terminals or warehouses and mail facilities. U.S. Customs and Border Protection oversees the Beagle Brigade.
Each canine on a team protects agriculture, natural resources and the food supply, in addition to keeping foreign animal diseases from entering the country.
“Diseases like Foot and Mouth Disease, African Swine Fever, invasive plant diseases and pests can cause major economic issues and animal suffering if these pathogens enter the United States,” Dr. Bob Judd, veterinarian and host of Texas Vet News on the Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network, said.
The Beagle Brigade Act of 2022, which establishes the National Detector Dog Training Center, has support from various industry groups.
“The act allows Congress to fund the National Dog Detector Training Center in Georgia where the canines are trained to sniff out contraband fruits, vegetables and meat products and the international passenger packages, mail packages and vehicles entering the stage,” Judd said.
The goal is to decrease the number of foreign diseases by screening entry to the U.S. With fewer diseases, comes healthy animals and allows the U.S. economy to thrive.
The Beagle Brigade has proven to be useful. A team along the border in the El Paso area uncovered 230 pounds of prohibited pork bologna. Another team of canines found 120 pounds of prohibited pork and poultry meat at the Laredo port of entry.
Learn more about the Beagle Brigade at cbp.gov.
Learn more about the Beagle Brigade Act of 2022 at congress.gov.
Texas Vet News can be heard daily online and on Texas Farm Bureau Radio Network affiliate stations.