Conference | Odour Detection by Animals: Research and Practice
Ulven Camp | Os (close to Bergen), Norway | 16-20 June 2008
Animals have been used to detect odours for thousands of years. Dogs to detect illicit drugs, dolphins to find limpet mines, and pigs to sniff out truffles. However only recently have users recognised the need to apply empirically-validated methods to train and test animal detectors. Therefore, chemists, (neuro)physiologists, behaviour analysts, and animal trainers need to consult each other and share understandings so that animals can be successfully used in important detection roles.
Being aware of this, the GICHD and its partners took the initiative to organize a conference bringing together practitioners and experts involved with animal-detector systems, and in particular with animal detector systems for humanitarian demining.
The purpose of this unique and unprecedented meeting is to encourage those with specialist knowledge in this area to share their expertise. End-users, such as humanitarian demining administrators, police, customs, defence specialists and search and rescue organisations will also be represented. They will discuss their practical experiences and contribute views on how animal detector systems can best meet their requirements.
