The evolution of COVID-19 testing has changed rapidly since the pandemic began. However, animals may be able to identify an effective way to reduce the spread. How? Detection by canine.
Canine COVID-19 detection is reportedly effective. Some field tests are even yielding results of up to 94% accuracy. The dogs are trained using actual samples of the virus, and the dogs can detect the presence of the virus in anyone—even asymptomatic carriers.
The new form of testing is possible because we continue to harness the incredible ability of the canine nose. As Nature.com points out, dogs’ noses have 300 million scent receptors, whereas humans only have around 5-6 million. This is why dogs can detect the minuscule presence of things that would be impossible for humans.
The three breeds that are best suited for the job are the Belgian Malinois, German Shepherd and the British Labrador Retriever. These dogs breeds have an incredible sense of smell, and the energy and drive to be reliable for a job like this.
Canine COVID-19 testing is also fast and efficient. Using trained dogs to detect the coronavirus allows testing at a rate between six to 12 people every minute. If the dog is already trained for scent detection, training them to detect COVID-19 may only take a couple of weeks.
Some of the first real-life applications of this testing will happen in Florida, as the Miami Heat, Florida International University and Walt Disney World are considering implementing this testing method. If everything goes according to plan, it may become normal to see COVID-19 sniffing dogs at the entrance of sports arenas and other heavily populated areas across the nation.
While researchers are optimistic about the promising results, there are some obstacles and questions that remain. For example, it is still unclear how effective the dogs will be at differentiating between COVID-19 and other similar viral infections, like the flu.
If everything works out, most experts agree that we could see many more COVID-19 sniffing dogs within the next six months.
