Dogs Have Nearly Perfected Sniffing Out COVID-19 Through Human Sweat Samples

Detection and testing of the novel coronavirus, better known as COVID-19, has been done through nasal swabs and blood tests worldwide. These tests are costly in some countries, and results take a few days to be generated.

This can be time-consuming for health workers, and result in high levels of stress as those tested anxiously await their results. However, there is a new player in the testing field. A few rather fluffy and cute ones too!

Researchers from the national veterinary school in Alfort, just outside Paris, are studying a new and unique way of potentially detecting the novel coronavirus in humans. This group has trained eight Belgian Malinois shepherd dogs to potentially sniff out the coronavirus from the sweat of humans. Amazing, isn’t it!

The study has come to show at these skilled shepherds have had approximately 95% accuracy in their sniffing results. For this testing to be done, the sweat of positive coronavirus humans is collected and placed in jars. The Belgian Malinois shepherds group sniffs the jars, thus not directly endangering them or exposing them to the virus, and from there they indicate their result.

Scientists believe that using these dogs will provide the option for much quicker testing in comparison to what is currently available. Not a day goes by where a four-legged friend does not cease to amaze us! The capabilities of our precious pooches reach far beyond that which we can comprehend and is an absolute reminder of how special they truly are!

How do you stay safe and keep yourself and your dog occupied during the quarantine period? Let us know in the comments!

Feature Image Source: Pixabay

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