ASF cadaver search teams Baden-Württemberg

Third training course was successful: Over 60 ASP cadaver search teams operational

Qualified in weekend and online courses on swine fever control

On three weekends in July and August, another 24 motivated dog handlers and their dogs learned to search for wild boar carcasses at the TCRH Mosbach.

It is always amazing how quickly the dogs understand how to recognize and indicate the smell of dead wild deer they are looking for. At the same time, the dog handlers learn to “read” their dogs and support them in their search. They were instructed by the competent and committed training team led by training manager Kai Uwe Gries.

Training of humans and dogs

In addition to the cadaver experiments, the course also includes theory modules that are trained online but also on site. The teams learn, among other things, how wild boar behaves, the basics of search tactics and how to find their way in the forest using location technology. This is particularly important because in the event of an ASF epidemic, each team is assigned its own search area (approx. 4 hectares), which must be reliably searched for carcasses of dead sows. Furthermore, every dog ​​handler should also be able to act as a search party helper.

This part was designed and taught in a proven manner by Michael Höll and Michael Müller from the national operations department of the BRH Federal Association of Rescue Dogs.

Extensive assistance system: 63 search teams

At the end of the training, 21 teams have passed the first or second level of testing and are now available, together with the other 42 teams that have already been tested, to search for fallen game during an ASF outbreak in Baden-Württemberg. Another 20 teams will be added by the end of the year.

Information for applicants

The training is financed on behalf of the Ministry of Food, Rural Areas and Consumer Protection Baden-Württemberg (MLR). The professional sponsors are the BRH Federal Association of Rescue Dogs e.V. and the Hunting Dog Association (JGHV) e.V.

Those interested can contact: https://asp.tcrh.de information and download an application form there. The training takes place either on weekends or in a full-time week. For training can educational time be requested.