Does anyone know if "sniffer dogs" are still being used anywhere in the
US to help detect hives with American foulbrood infections?  In the late
'80's there was considerable publicity in the beekeeping press about
these dogs, and how they were likely to save scarce government
inspection funds.
 
However, I haven't heard anything about them recently.  Did the dogs
prove to do a good job, or where there some technical problems (I heard
a rumour that the dogs could only pick up "full blown" infections, since
they were the only ones that produced enough of a smell)?
 
Or is the reason the dogs aren't being used anymore because
government AFB programmes in the US have in most places been wound
down?
 
All factual replies most appreciated.  Contact details for anyone who has
actually used the dogs would be especially helpful.
 
Thanks for your help.
 
Cliff Van Eaton
Apicultural Advisory Officer
MAF Quality Management
Private Bag
TAURANGA, NEW ZEALAND
E-mail:  [log in to unmask]