The Tennessee DOA has enlisted two trained dogs to detect and combat the invasive Spotted Lanternfly that can threaten crops.

The Tennessee Department of Agriculture has welcomed two new members to its team, and they both have four legs.

The department recently added two trained dogs to help protect the state’s agricultural industries. The dogs, including a lab mix named Winnie, were trained at the USDA’s National Detector Dog Training Center in Georgia. Their job is to detect Spotted Lanternflies, an invasive pest that threatens crops and plants.

Winnie is partnered with plant inspector Mary Glover.

“During shipping season.... when we ship plants all over the U.S. and world from our nurseries there, we will be helping clear those loads so they don’t carry spotted lanternflies to places that might not have it,” Glover said.

The spotted lanternfly feeds on more than 70 plant species, including grapes and fruit trees. It damages plants by feeding on their sap and excreting a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to mold growth.

Glover said Winnie has already proven her skills in the field.

“When we first got back, and we got the call from Jefferson County, she and I went out there to someone’s yard where he had seen it... and she found it,” she said.

The pest has also been detected in Sumner County. Glover said she and Winnie are ready to help contain its spread.

“Yeah, we are a pretty good team, I think,” she said.

The Department of Agriculture urges anyone who spots a lanternfly to report it immediately.

Source - https://www.wbir.com