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British researchers are investigating whether dogs are able to detect people infected with COVID-19. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell and they have already been trained to detect a range of diseases including a variety of cancers, malaria and Parkinson’s disease in humans. If successful, our canine friends could potentially screen up to 250 people an hour, including those with no coronavirus symptoms, which would be a fast, effective and non-invasive process. The trials are backed by UK government funding.
The University of Pennsylvania has begun a similar training program. I’m hopeful that Australia and other countries will start similar trials. At this stage, there are no guarantees that dogs can sniff out the virus, but it would be wonderful if they can. How marvellous are our beloved dogs who give us so much unconditional love and service.