Linus the Beagle for the Don't Pack a Pest Campaign
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, in partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and Miami-Dade County, launched the “Don’t Pack a Pest” public awareness campaign today, with a public service announcement, billboards and dioramas on display at the Miami International Airport.
“Don’t Pack a Pest will help us inform travelers about the potential consequences foreign pests or diseases can have on Florida’s agriculture industry and our economy,” said Commissioner Putnam. “It is important for travelers to declare their agricultural products for inspection so that we can protect our nation’s food supply.”
Because of its climate, geography and crop diversity, combined with the multiple international air and marine ports throughout the state, Florida faces a high risk for the introduction of pests and diseases. At least one pest or disease is introduced into Florida every month, including pests that are new to Florida, new to the continent or new to the hemisphere.
The agriculture detector dog program started in 1984 at Los Angeles International Airport with one team consisting of a beagle and a handler. Beagles were selected because of their strong sense of smell and their gentle nature with people.
A Beagle’s natural love of food makes them effective detectives and happy to work for treats. These dogs are bright, inquisitive, active hounds whose sense of smell makes them curious wanderers by nature. They also serve as ambassadors for the importance of agricultural quarantine work, making hundreds of appearances yearly. The “Beagle Brigade” works in airports inspecting passenger luggage looking for prohibited fruit, meat and plant material.
Larger breeds are used to work airport cargo areas and the main distribution centers for international mail. These larger dogs also work at northern and southern land border stations inspecting luggage and cargo from trucks, buses and vehicles. There are currently 115 agriculture detector dog teams around the United States primarily located at international airports, seaports, land border ports of entry and international mail facilities.
Campaign Luggage Tag
Request your luggage tag today by emailing dpihelpline{@}freshfromflorida.com. Its really a cute tag with Linus on it and all the information you will need to remember when traveling overseas.
Now that’s a purrty cool job
Benny & Lily