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Scientists Attempt to Train Dogs to Detect Virus

The goal is for the dogs to be able to detect the virus even in asymptomatic people.

 

There could soon be evidence that dogs are even cooler than we thought.

Scientists in the UK believe they may be able to train certain dogs to sniff out COVID-19 infections.

Professor James Logan, who is involved in the research team, says some dogs can already detect malaria with high levels of accuracy.

While it’s not been confirmed that COVID-19 has a specific odor, Logan says “we know that other respiratory diseases change our body odor so there is a chance that it does."

The research team hopes dogs could eventually supplement existing testing, and estimates they could assess 250 patients an hour.

Dr. Claire Guest, CEO and co-founder of Medical Detection Dogs, says the goal is for the dogs to be able to detect the virus even in asymptomatic people.

Dogs could also potentially detect fevers, and experts say the animals could be used to screen traveling passengers at security checkpoints

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