Fungi Detector Dog (Listed Buildings Preservation)

It is not uncommon for dogs to be trained to detect fungi such as truffles. What is perhaps less well known is the use of dogs trained to detect concealed dry rot. Centuries old buildings are particularly vulnerable to the occurrence of dry rot (Serpula Lacrymans). Dry rot is prevalent where moisture leads to the decay of timber.

Like other dogs trained to identify and locate a particular odour, the fungi detector dog can detect the target fungi when it is present amongst non-target fungi.