What is the primary focus of Customs and Border Protection detector dogs at points of entry?

• A. Items that may contain harmful plant pests and animal disease
• B. Drugs
• C. Animal products only
• D. Specific pathogens of international concern

Answer: (A)

The main goal of detector dogs at points of entry is to intercept material that could carry pests or diseases that threaten agriculture and animal health. They are trained to alert on items like produce, meat, plants, soil, and other goods that might harbor harmful plant pests or animal diseases, allowing inspectors to examine and prevent entry of those risks.

This focus makes the option describing items that may contain harmful plant pests and animal disease the best choice. While detector dogs can be used for drugs, that’s a separate enforcement area and not the primary mission at border entry for biosecurity. Saying they detect animal products only is too narrow, and claiming they detect specific pathogens isn’t accurate because dogs detect odors in materials, not the pathogens themselves.