Sniffer dogs could become a new ally in the coronavirus war by identifying infected people

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Sniffer dogs could become a new ally in the coronavirus war by identifying infected people – before they show symptoms

  • Specially trained animals could identify those carrying coronavirus, say experts
  • They could identify them before they show symptoms, at A&E’s and UK airports 
  • Trained dogs are able to pick up chemicals called volatile organic compounds 
  • It’s hoped dogs can be trained in a matter of weeks to sniff out the deadly virus
  • Coronavirus symptoms: what are they and should you see a doctor?

By Vivienne Parry For The Mail On Sunday

Published: | Updated:

Sniffer dogs could prove to be an unlikely weapon in the fight against Covid­-19. 

Experts believe that specially trained animals could help identify people carrying the deadly virus – even before they show symptoms – outside hospital A&Es or as they land at UK airports. 

Trained dogs are able to pick up chemicals called volatile organic compounds, which are linked to specific diseases, in samples of breath, urine and faeces.

Nose job: Springer spaniel Freya, who is trained and used by researchers to detect malaria

They have already been used by researchers to identify malaria, some cancers and Parkinson’s. 

Professor James Logan, head of the department of disease control at The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, says: ‘We know that other respiratory diseases change our body odour so there is a very high chance that dogs will be able to detect this virus. 

‘If this could become a diagnostic tool, it has the potential to revolutionise our response to Covid­-19.’ 

It’s hoped dogs can be trained in a matter of weeks to sniff it out. Dr Claire Guest, chief executive of charity Medical Detection Dogs, says: ‘There’s no reason why this wouldn’t work for Covid-­19.

A sniffer dog from the Police K9 unit checks a delivery truck at a check point on March 27 as a 21 days coronavirus lockdown takes place in Cape Town, South Africa (file photo)

A sniffer dog from the Police K9 unit checks a delivery truck at a check point on March 27 as a 21 days coronavirus lockdown takes place in Cape Town, South Africa (file photo)

‘It would be fast, effective and non-­invasive and make sure the limited NHS testing resources are only used where they are really needed.’ 

The dogs could be ready within just six weeks. 

First researchers need to establish how to safely catch samples of the virus from patients infected with Covid-­19, so it can be used to train the animals.