Mission: Cadaver Detection Dogs Combat African Swine Fever
Introduction
Amidst the dense undergrowth, fallen trees, and decaying wood of the Kühkopf Nature Reserve, a six-year-old German Shepherd named "Ella" embarks on a vital mission: searching for deceased pigs. As part of the fight against African Swine Fever (ASF), teams with cadaver detection dogs patrol the affected regions of Hesse, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Baden-Württemberg. Their goal is to locate and remove dead wild boars, preventing further spread of this deadly disease among animals.
The Devastating Impact of ASF
Since the first ASF case in Germany in June 2020, dozens of teams with specially trained dogs have been relentlessly searching. As of February 12, over 3,000 dead wild boars have been recovered, more than 1,100 carrying the deadly virus. Additionally, over 3,500 domestic pigs have been culled as a precautionary measure.
Distressing Discoveries
The search teams encounter a range of heart-wrenching sights. Wild boars may be disoriented or incapacitated, struggling with the virus’s effects. Such suffering animals cannot be euthanized by the searchers but must be reported to local hunters. Cadavers infested with maggots are also discovered.
The Training and Skills of Detection Dogs
Before "Ella" begins her search with a GPS-enabled collar, her handler, Dorothea Ulshöfer, assesses the wind direction. The marked area is then patrolled by Ulshöfer, fellow dog handler Markus Ebel, and search team assistant Jessica Herfort. When a dog detects a dead pig, it alters its walking pattern, barks, or positions itself in front of the carcass. The dogs are trained to detect cadavers rather than the virus itself, according to Ulshöfer.
A Dedicated and Selfless Effort
The TCRH Training Center Retten und Helfen Mosbach in Baden-Württemberg coordinates the search in the two inner containment zones of southern Hesse, with over 100 teams. The volunteers – students, retirees, part-time workers, and self-employed individuals – donate their time and vacation hours to this critical task. However, the work is not without risk, as at least one dog has been killed by a wild boar and others have suffered injuries.
Economic Consequences for Farmers
The ASF outbreak has severe economic implications for farmers in the affected region. In the containment zone II, where domestic pig populations have remained infection-free, wild boar carcasses continue to be discovered. This zone can only be lifted one year after the last positive case.
Conclusion
The mission of cadaver detection dogs in the fight against ASF is crucial for preventing its spread and protecting the health of animals and the local economy. These dedicated teams and their skilled dogs play a vital role in mitigating the devastating impact of this disease.
