This agreement will extend the canine pest surveillance program that was first implemented in 2006 in Contra Costa County. The purpose of this program is to provide assistance in pest exclusion on a regional basis to Contra Costa County and eleven other participating counties. The use of canine teams enhances pest exclusion detections due to the canine's ability to detect agricultural commodities that are shipped in unmarked containers in violation of state quarantine laws. Each canine inspection team will conduct surveillance inspections at parcel inspection centers such as those operated by Federal Express, UPS, etc., to provide parcel inspection services related to plant products entering the State of California. The teams will also be available for airport terminal inspections and, if needed, at the United States Postal Service to provide inspection services. The goal is to intercept and thereby prevent the introduction of unwanted plant pests, including insect species, diseases or other harmful organisms that may post a threat to the economic well being of the State and counties.

Negative action will result in the Department's failure to meet the terms of Standard Agreement #09-0452 resulting in the loss of revenue. This may also result in harm to the State of California and to Contra Costa County through the potential of introduction of organisms that are not known to occur in the State. These organisms could cause substantial damage to agriculture and our environment if established. Costs to eradicate incipient pest infestations have historically been very high.