Specially Trained Dogs Able to Detect COVID-19 in People

English Springer Spaniel Floki, who is 1 of 2 South Australian dogs taking part the Covid-19 detection training at the University of Adelaide Australia on September 18, 2020. Photo by Kelly Barnes/Getty Images

Our loyal four-legged companions may soon be valuable frontline health workers after research led by the University of Adelaide found that specially trained dogs can detect positive COVID-19 cases.

In a media release on Monday, Dr Anne-Lise Chaber, a senior lecturer in the University of Adelaide’s School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, said that these dogs, which a predominantly labradors, can sniff out COVID-19 cases faster and earlier than a PCR test and more reliably than rapid antigen tests.