What do the agriculture detector dogs from Customs and Border Protection primarily search for?

Agriculture detector dogs from Customs and Border Protection are specifically trained to identify items that may contain harmful plant pests and animal diseases. This role is crucial in maintaining the health of the nation's agriculture and livestock. By detecting these harmful entities at borders and ports of entry, the dogs help prevent the introduction of invasive species and diseases that could jeopardize local ecosystems and food production. Their training is focused on scents associated with various agricultural products that could carry such pests or diseases, making them a vital asset in protecting agricultural resources and ensuring food safety. This rigorous focus on agricultural health distinguishes their function from other areas such as contraband detection or national security threats.