Sniffer dogs capable of detecting the coronavirus (Covid-19) and diagnosing infected people faster than any other test: the idea is gaining ground in Great Britain. Each disease has a unique smell. And this new virus, although it is particularly virulent, is no exception to the rule. The charity Medical Detection Dogs has already trained dogs that are used for the detection of malaria, breast or prostate cancer or even Parkinson’s disease, with a success rate of over 90%. So why not for the Covid-19?
To ensure this, a team of scientists from Durham University and the London School of Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) are currently conducting trials, reports the BBC website. “It would be quick, efficient and non-invasive and ensure that limited NHS testing resources are used only where they are really needed,” said Dr. Guest, who directs Medical Detection Dogs, quoted by the British media. These four-legged heroes – Basset Labrador and English setter in particular – could be operational in six weeks.
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With an overdeveloped sense of smell, these brave doggies would be able to screen anyone, even those who have no symptoms. “In principle, we are sure that dogs could detect Covid-19,” he said, explaining that he had to figure out how to “safely catch the smell of the patients’ virus.” Dogs are prohibited in hospitals, so a sample should be taken beforehand. The team of scientists is precisely working on the implementation of a protocol.
These detection dogs could also be used in airports or stations to quickly identify people with the virus, suggests Professor Steve Lindsay, of the Department of Biosciences at the University of Durham. It would be enough to teach them to detect a person who has a fever. Which in theory, to hear, is quite possible. “It would help prevent the recurrence of the disease after having mastered the current epidemic,” he said. in a press release.
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