Sniffer dogs to detect invasive zebra mussels in Manitoba

The Manitoba government is putting more bite into its fight against zebra mussels, bringing in detection dogs to sniff out the presence of the invasive species.

"Following a successful training period, the dog was deployed this past weekend at Emerson and will assist at high-risk and high-traffic watercraft inspection stations and border crossings in Manitoba when available," Conservation and Water Stewardship Minister Tom Nevakshonoff said Thursday.

The dog, named Fauna, will be able to detect the mollusk's presence on watercraft and water-related equipment.

The invasive freshwater mussels reproduce quickly and attach themselves to boats and can clog water intake pipes and machinery once they get established. They also choke out native species and can disrupt the food chain.

Zebra mussels were found for the first time in Manitoba in October 2013, and the province has tried treating four harbours with potash to get rid of them.

The province is putting up ads and billboards along harbours urging people to properly clean their boats and equipment as well as dispose of any bait or water when they leave the lake.

It has also launched its watercraft inspection program for the third consecutive summer, and now has six decontamination units to ensure boats are not carrying the mussels or their larvae.

Watercraft inspectors have already taken decontamination units to locations such as the Emerson and Boissevain border crossings, and the Selkirk Park and Pine Falls boat launches, inspecting more than 200 watercraft and performing decontaminations from May 21 to 25.

"Fighting the expansion of this highly invasive species takes a concerted effort by everyone who enjoys our lakes and rivers," Nevakshonoff said. "We took an aggressive approach to control zebra mussels last year in four harbours but mussels survived outside the harbours, so now more than ever, we need everyone's support and vigilance."

Increased awareness of zebra mussels led to the recent report of them on a private dock in the Red River, near Selkirk Park, he said.

Adult mussels were found on the float underneath a dock and appeared to be dead. They were likely from last year, although one was still firmly attached to the dock's float, Nevakshonoff said.

This is the first evidence of zebra mussels in the Manitoba portion of the Red River, he noted, adding that further monitoring will take place to determine whether they have successfully established in the northern portion of the Red River.

Dog won't scratch, bite or bark

Chad Moir is the handler working with the six-year-old German Shepherd who will be used to sniff out the mussels.

"It's not invasive at all. It's a simple search. She uses her nose. She doesn't scratch. She doesn't bite at anything or bark," said Moir. "If she ever finds something, she just sits down."

Fauna is one of two detection dogs that will work to sniff out the mussels.

"[Fauna] hasn't been deployed yet this summer. Our other canine unit has been. He's also a German Shepherd, but we will be out this summer at different border crossings, different boat launches," said Moir.

To report a zebra mussel or any other aquatic invasive species (AIS), take pictures and visit the government website or call toll-free 1-877-STOP AIS-0 (1-877-867-2470).