Sniffer dogs latest tool in plant biosecurity battleGeoff Vause/Stuff Sniffer dogs join fight against Chilean Needle GrassRescue dogs from the SPCA are being trained to sniff out biosecurity threats to pasture. Tahi, a 2-year-old border collie-cross, and 3-year-old mixed breed Nala are the latest weapons against Chilean needle grass in Marlborough. READ MORE:* Fears Chilean needle grass could spread across New Zealand* Public apathy helping chilean needle grass spread* Needle grass warning as weather hots up"Store properties can't send stock elsewhere if they have it, so if you're in a position where you can't finish stock you'll be between a rock and a hard place." SUPPLIED Chilean needle grass is easier to spot in late spring and early summer while it is flowering. GEOFF VAUSE/STUFF Fiona Thomson, left, with border collie-cross Tahi, and Marina Paz, with cross breed Nala, at the Chilean Needle Grass plant sniffer trial in Seddon.

Source: Stuff December 10, 2017 00:11 UTC