To reduce the risk of the insects entering the country after the Paris Olympics, South Korea has deployed a bed bug sniffer dog at its main international airport.
Ceco, a two-year-old beagle, is leading the campaign at Incheon International Airport as the only dog in the country trained to detect the smell of pheromones emitted by bed bugs.
The dog can search a normal hotel room for the blood-sucking animals in less than two minutes, said Kim Min-su of the pest control company Cesco.
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Last year, the authorities in Paris tried to contain the nationwide panic before the Games began after bed bugs were reportedly spotted in homes, cinemas, hospitals and trains.
Concerned that the outbreak could ruin the event, authorities launched a campaign to stop any infestation.
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The South Korean government said it would therefore “take preemptive action to prevent the entry of viruses through Incheon International Airport, the main gateway to the country.”
Cesco has partnered with the country’s transport and safety ministries and the Agency for Disease Control and Prevention and is working with airlines and the airport to screen travelers upon arrival.
South Korea sent 144 athletes to the games and won a total of 32 medals. Image: AP
Flights arriving directly from Paris will be disinfected once a week (normally once a month), and the airport quarantine service will be prepared to spring into action if an outbreak is detected on an aircraft or at the airport.
South Korea sent 144 athletes to the competition Olympicswhich officially ended on Sunday evening, and finished eighth in the overall medal table with 13 gold, nine silver and ten bronze medals.
Ceco and his team were deployed as more athletes, fans and officials returned from Paris – and will continue to work until September 8.
