When it comes to stopping biosecurity threats at the border, some of Australia's most effective frontline defenders walk on four legs.
The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry has named Detector Dog Ghost as its 'Top Dog' for 2025, recognising an exceptional year of service protecting Australia from exotic pests and diseases.
The Top Dog award celebrates not just performance, but the professionalism, discipline and trust that define the detector dog and handler relationship.
Working in Adelaide, alongside handlers Rebecca and Jade, 4-year old Detector Dog Ghost has played a critical role in intercepting biosecurity risk material before it could enter Australia.
Throughout 2025, Ghost intercepted 3202 biosecurity risk items, with each interception representing a threat stopped at the border-protecting Australia's farmers, environment and communities.
Recently, Detector Dog Ghost was working in the international baggage hall area when he gave a response to a suitcase and backpack belonging to an international traveller. Upon inspection, Biosecurity Officers found undeclared lotus seeds, fresh bamboo shoots, sesame and salami tucked behind the suitcase lining. Undeclared pizza was also found in the backpack. These items have the potential to carry serious pests or diseases, such as foot and mouth disease that can occur in meat products. The passenger was issued a 12-penalty unit infringement notice for $3,960.
The department deploys detector dogs across Australia's international airports, seaports and mail centres, screening millions of travellers and mail items every year. In 2025, biosecurity detector dogs intercepted over 45,500 biosecurity risk items arriving at international airports and mail gateway facilities.
Detector Dog Quatro was awarded 'Most Versatile' for detecting the widest range of commodities. Partnered with handler Steph, 4-year old Quatro continues to be extremely dynamic, adapting to a range of diverse scenarios while demonstrating a highly effective biosecurity detection ability. Throughout 2025 Quatro detected 1431 biosecurity risk items across a very impressive 144 different commodity groups.
Detector Dog Clyde was awarded 'Rookie of the Year' for outstanding performance in his first year of operational deployment. Graduating in 2024 and partnered with experienced handler Dennis, Clyde intercepted 829 biosecurity risk items throughout 2025. Clyde's award is not only a testament to the expertise of the department's novice detector dog training program, but also the skill, guidance and effective teamwork of his handler Dennis.
Together, these award-winning detector dogs and their expert handlers represent the strength, capability and dedication of Australia's biosecurity workforce-quietly protecting the nation every day.
Deputy Secretary Biosecurity, Operations and Compliance Group, Justine Saunders, commended the award recipients, their handlers and the dedicated staff behind this national significant capability.
"Every detection helps prevent harmful pests and diseases from entering Australia," Ms Saunders said.
"Their work safeguards our environment, supports our agriculture industry, and protects our way of life."
