Senasica Adds 13 New Canine Units to Prevent Pests in Mexico

By the end of 2024, Senasica will have more than 90 canine inspectors strategically positioned at key locations such as ports, airports, borders, and Federal Inspection and Verification Points (PVIF). These canine teams are essential for the inspection and monitoring of agri-food products entering Mexico, playing a key role in preventing potential risks from harmful pests and diseases. 

To strengthen these efforts, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, through the National Service of Health, Safety, and Agri-Food Quality (Senasica), has incorporated 13 new canine units, which belong to the 67th generation of dogs trained at the Canine Training Center (Ceacan) in Tecamac, State of Mexico. 

The primary objective of these canine units is to detect pests, diseases, and high-risk products that could jeopardize the country's agri-food sector, making them invaluable assets in the early identification of threats and contributing to the protection of Mexico's agricultural heritage.

The dogs utilized in this program are typically donated by individuals or rescued from shelters, providing them a second chance at life. The newly trained canine units are responsible for inspecting an estimated 250,000 commercial shipments, more than 2 million pieces of luggage, and over 100,000kg of risky products every year.

Six of the newly trained dogs have been specifically taught to detect larvae infestations in livestock, particularly to assist in controlling the livestock screwworm (GBG), or cattle tick, which is a significant pest threat in southeastern Mexico. 

Additionally, three of the canine teams are specialized in identifying pork products, playing an important part in preventing the entry of African Swine Fever (ASF), a disease that poses a major threat to Mexico's pork industry.

The Ceacan, which has been in operation since 2012, has become a key training facility for canine teams throughout Mexico, as well as in Central America and the Caribbean. It was recognized in 2022 by the International Regional Organization for Plant and Animal Health (OIRSA) as a Regional Reference Center for canine training.

The canine teams undergo a rigorous training program that lasts 240 hours. Training is provided by certified Senasica instructors with expertise in fields related to the agri-food sector, including veterinary medicine, agronomy, and biology.