German sniffing dogs can be used to detect the coronavirus on airports
German researchers have discovered that sniffing dogs of the army can distinguish the smell between coronavirus-infected and healthy patients. The accuracy of the study is so high that they hope sniffing dogs will be used at airports soon.
Research on sniffing dogs to detect the coronavirus
According to scientists at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover trained sniffing dogs can be used to detect COVID-19.
Eight German Army Bundeswehr sniffing dogs were trained to inspect the saliva of coronavirus-infected and healthy patients. These types of sniffing dogs, which are normally used for the detection of explosives and medicines, have previously been used in hospitals to detect different types of cancer. This medical application motivated the scientists to use sniffing dogs for detecting the coronavirus.
At Dubai International Airport they already are using sniffing dogs
Many measures are already being taken by airports to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Dubai International Airport is now using specially trained police dogs to detect the coronavirus.
This development did not just happen. In the United Arab Emirates, it has been debated for months whether sniffing dogs can or cannot smell the virus. As mentioned earlier, it is a proven fact that sniffing dogs can identify specific infections / diseases such as cancer and diabetes and some thought similarly about the coronavirus.
The United Arab Emirates believes that sniffing dogs are effective for detecting the coronavirus and travelers are being checked at incoming and outgoing flights since last Monday.
In a statement, the Dubai Ministry of Interior (MoI) said, “Data and studies showed that the detection of suspected Covid-19 cases yielded an overall accuracy of about 92 percent. Figures indicate that dogs can quickly detect infected cases and can effectively protect important places and deal with large crowds and large events, airports, etc. “
How does the testing on travelers by sniffing dogs work?
Detecting the coronavirus by sniffing dogs is quite simple, fast and safe. Any possible infected traveler is screened by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in collaboration with special dog trainers. For this an odor sample is collected from the armpit and presented to the dog in an enclosed space.The specially trained sniffing dogs can detect the coronavirus within seconds. Therefore there is no direct contact between the dog and the traveler.
The MoI further said: “Trained sniffing dogs are known for their extraordinary abilities and skills that surpass other dogs, especially their strong sense of smell. For this reason, they can be used in police patrols and securing shopping centers, events, airports and other essential facilities. “
Will sniffing dogs arrive at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport?
It may take a while before sniffing dogs are used in the Netherlands as a measure against the coronavirus. The Netherlands has not yet been researching the use of sniffing dogs to detect the coronavirus. Also there is always a small chance that a detection dog is wrong and travelers are wrongly accused, which can cause bad consequences. The use of sniffing dogs requires a change in thoughts and infrastructure. Before the Netherlands is ready, it must first become a subject in the Dutch politics.
Joe Kuijpers
As chief operating officer I am responsible for the operational affairs within Claim24. My daily activities consist of monitoring or improving our services and managing our team of enthusiastic employees in the Netherlands and +10 international countries.
