Photo credit: Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Customs and Border Protection
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Beagle Brigade continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the country’s farms and crops from invasive pests. Deployed at major airports, border crossings, and postal facilities, these highly trained detection dogs work in tandem with their human handlers to pinpoint unauthorized fruits, vegetables, and meat items that could harbor harmful organisms.
Beagles are chosen for this critical task due to their exceptional sense of smell, eagerness to please, and ability to maneuver in crowded spaces. Upon catching the scent of a prohibited item, the dogs signal their handlers—often with a sit or a paw—so further inspection can be conducted. This rapid response helps authorities prevent potentially devastating infestations, such as Mediterranean fruit flies or exotic plant pathogens that can wreak havoc on domestic agriculture.
According to USDA officials, the Beagle Brigade intercepts thousands of illegal agricultural products each year, underscoring the team’s importance in maintaining the integrity of American farm production. Their consistent performance provides an invaluable layer of security, ensuring that farmers can focus on feeding the nation without the added worry of foreign pest invasions.
Sabrina Halvorson
National Correspondent / AgNet Media, Inc.
Sabrina Halvorson is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and public speaker who specializes in agriculture. She primarily reports on legislative issues and hosts The AgNet News Hour. She was recently named the 2024 Farm Broadcaster of the Year by the National Association of Farm Broadcasting and serves as a Council Member on the World Agriculture Forum. Sabrina is a native of California’s agriculture-rich Central Valley and now divides her time between California and North Dakota.