CANINE UNITS

Canine units are now an indispensable tool for national quarantine services. Dogs detect odors of fruits, seeds, meat and meat products, dairy products, among others, which can serve as pathways for the transportation of pests and diseases of plant and animal origin. The detection capabilities of goods posing a health risk in luggage are over 95% accurate.

Through the training of canine teams, OIRSA member countries aim to strengthen the inspection processes for agricultural products that may pose a phytosanitary risk to the region.

 

The project for forming canine teams in Central America and the Dominican Republic has received support from OIRSA and the National Health, Safety, and Agri-food Quality Service (SENASICA) of Mexico. Both institutions signed a specific technical cooperation agreement in 2017 to form canine teams consisting of a handler and their trained dog.

With the Canine Units, the aim is to improve luggage inspection at entry points into the country effectively and efficiently. The dogs detect agricultural products, and the agents verify if they have the required legal documentation.

ElSalavdor-bandera

Canine binomials
in El Salvador

Guatemal-bandera

The Canine Unit of
GUATEMALA