Dogs Sniffing for Corona

First off, I was not aware that dogs could be trained to sniff diseases.  Apparently so.

Malaria (via feet).  Prostate cancer (via urine).  Diabetes (via breath or sweat).

Read further:  https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2018/nov/04/five-diseases-that-dogs-can-detect


Well now, there are scientists working to determine whether dogs can sniff-out Covid-19.

Dogs are being enlisted in the fight against the novel coronavirus. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania are testing a pack of eight Labrador retrievers to find out if their sensitive snouts can detect the pandemic virus by scent.

If the dogs’ 300 million scent receptors can be trained to smell the novel coronavirus they could eventually be used in public places such as airports, businesses or hospitals to quickly and easily screen large numbers of people. Because this diagnosis by dog would depend on the smell given off by people infected with COVID-19 it should have no problem picking out asymptomatic carriers.

(https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/dogs-are-being-trained-detect-covid-19-180974796/)


Can you imagine?  Wonder what level of "false positive" sniff is going to be considered tolerable?


Grace & Peace & Love to you all -

Matt