Canine LCD Detection Skills Applied to Nursery and Orchard Settings
Author: Lynda Pheasant
Published: 2023
Summary: Little Cherry Disease (LCD) is an umbrella term used for two different pathogens – Little Cherry Virus-2 (LChV-2) and X-disease phytoplasma (XDP), that cause similar symptoms in cherries. Once a tree is infected, there is no cure for it, and the only control measure is the tree removal. Several factors are preventing the sweet cherry industry to stop the spread of the LCD infection. Among the most important, is the lack of optimized or new screening methods to quickly identify LCD infections. Canine detection skills project explored the possibility of providing an early detection tool for LCD identification, control, and eradication. This project was designed to increase detection proficiencies and facilitate transition of canine detection skills from controlled settings to field environments. The desired percentage of proficiency was not reached by all the dogs. However, the performance of the dogs did support positive proof of concept that any dog can be trained to detect LCD. The group would need additional time to meet the levels of proficiency included in the proposal. This work done in this project has created the opportunity for next steps in the process moving forward. There was a lot of learning done regarding LCD by the group which will increase performance timelines and improve methodology. The next steps for canine LCD work should include a small group of focused dogs that are trained on a regular basis, at least several times a week using a specifically developed training schedule including regular validation testing. The steps would include odor validation, proofing, and experiences in the appropriate field setting.
