The Agricultural Quarantine Canine Unit of the Ministry of Agricultural Development (MIDA) has managed to seize more than 1,730 kg of animal and plant products in Tocumen from January to August 2024. In addition, in Paso Canoas, 96.3 kg were confiscated during the same period, both through non-intrusive inspections.
This group of 21 trained dogs uses their keen sense of smell to detect up to 99% of the products that could put the agricultural sector at risk when entering the country.
The director of Agricultural Quarantine, Arcelio Acevedo, explained that the dogs, many of them donated, follow a rigorous preventive medical program that includes vaccinations and deworming. Later, they are trained with their handlers to identify dangerous products.
Veterinarian Hugo Turillazi added that the Unit is preparing to detect the Cattle Screwworm, with recent practices focused on training dogs to recognize the scent of the larva of this disease.
The MIDA Canine Unit, also known as UCA, is made up of a technical team of veterinarians, agricultural engineers and agricultural graduates.
