Dogs can identify if you are COVID-19 positive according to a study conducted, where up to 94% accuracy indicated that dogs were able to identify the virus.
Dogs can detect COVID-19 with up to 94% accuracy
Biodetector dogs can identify the odor of COVID-19 with up to 94% accuracy, according to a preliminary study.
The research, which used samples from more than 3,750 people, such as used shirts, masks and socks, to train six dogs to detect COVID-19.
Initial results, still pending external review by other scientists, indicate that the dogs were able to identify the disease in 94% of cases.
The preliminary study also reflects that a single dog can test up to 250 people in one hour.
The research indicates that trained dogs could be of great help as a first rapid screening tool in public spaces, such as airports.
“Knowing that we can harness the amazing power of a dog’s sense of smell to detect COVID-19 quickly and non-invasively gives us hope for a return to a more normal way of life.”
In the study, dogs sniffed samples in a holder system that required a “yes or no” decision in each case.
If they identified the presence of COVID-19, the dogs received cues such as sit, push or look forward, and if they got it right, they were rewarded with food or toys.
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