Trained sniffer dogs can detect early signs of parkinson’s disease, diabetes, several types of cancer, oncoming epileptic seizures, and malaria. National Geographic adds they are also able to help search-and-rescue-teams detect survivors. We always knew they were our best friends that never let us down. Now that fount of scientific knowledge tells us trained sniffer dogs can detect the coronavirus too.
Proof of Concept Study in Pennsylvania Confirms This
Researchers at University of Pennsylvania’s School of Veterinary Medicine set out to determine whether dogs can detect the COVID-19 virus. We did not know it before, but the virus has a characteristic smell in human urine and saliva. Our senses are too blunt to detect a whiff. However dogs can: We just have to explain to them we would like them to do it.
Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine published a proof of concept study on April 14, 2021 (see link below). This proved there is potential in the idea, and it is worth exploring further. National Geographic says if trained sniffer dogs could detect the coronavirus on clothing with 96% accuracy. Then they could patrol places such as airports and stadiums to sniff out the virus in public settings.
Now Trained Sniffer Dogs Can Detect Coronavirus What’s Next?
The research work has been ongoing since spring 2020, shortly after the pandemic surfaced. First, the dogs learned to detect the virus in in human urine and saliva. But that’s impractical in real life, so the researchers trained them to identify it in sweaty clothes too.
Dogs are impulsive scavengers that will do almost anything for praise (or a biscuit). The April 14, 2021 report confirms they have been remarkably successful at identifying infected T-shirts. That’s because they can do what no human can. That is, detect specific volatile compounds with high vapor pressure on request, and they are happy to oblige.
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Preview Image: Detection Dog Training in U.S. Navy
