Snout in backpack fights foot and mouth disease at Darwin Airport

A backpacker travelling through Darwin from Indonesia had a ruff time of it thanks to the keen nose of the airport’s new biosecurity sniffer dog, Zinta.

A backpacker travelling through Darwin from Indonesia had a ruff time of it thanks to the keen nose of the airport’s new biosecurity sniffer dog, Zinta, who is the country’s latest four legged soldier on the front lines of the fight against foot and mouth disease.

Officials said the black Labrador was on duty Sunday when she raised the alarm over a passenger’s backpack which, on closer inspection, was found to contain “a variety of risk items” including two egg and beef sausage McMuffins from a Balinese McDonald’s outlet as well as a ham croissant.

Detector Dog Zinta and his handler at Darwin Airport.

Border security officials issued the traveller 12-unit infringement notice amounting to $2664 for failing to declare potential high biosecurity risk items and providing a false and misleading document.

“This will be the most expensive Maccas meal this passenger ever has, this fine is twice the cost of an airfare to Bali, but I have no sympathy for people who choose to disobey Australia’s strict biosecurity measures, and recent detections show you will be caught,” said Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Minister Murray Watt.

Undeclared egg McMuffins cost a backpacker travelling from Bali a pretty penny.

“Australia is FMD-free, and we want it to stay that way.

“Zinta was placed at Darwin Airport as part of the Albanese Government’s tough new biosecurity defences, and it’s excellent to see she is already contributing to keeping the country safe.

“Biosecurity is no joke — it helps protect jobs, our farms, food and supports the economy. Passengers who choose to travel need to make sure they are fulfilling the conditions to enter Australia, by following all biosecurity measures.”

The offending McMuffins and croissants will be tested for foot-and-mouth before being destroyed.