Czech cynologists from the Search and Rescue Czech Republic team have managed to train eight dogs who can tell if you have COVID-19. Detecting the disease is a worldwide problem, which is also recognized by VAFO, who supported the project financially and provided the canine detectors with feed by Brit. We interviewed Gustav Holý, leader of the detector dogs project, on how this globally unique project came about, detection by dogs works and what plans cynologists have with the trained dogs.
On what principle is your method of detection using dogs based?
The testing is based on the use of specially trained dogs that can detect a change in the scent signature of a person infected with COVID-19 through their sense of smell. The advantage of this method of testing is the ease of sampling and the high accuracy of testing. What’s more, detection is not dependent on the type of mutation or whether the patient has symptoms or not. We have also managed to develop and successfully test a new method that does not require a sample and the dog is able to identify the virus directly from the human. The detection of coronavirus with the help of dogs is also tested by other teams from the Czech Republic and abroad, but only our team uses this particular method. We are also the only ones to focus not only on testing but also on the research into the use of detection dogs.
What are the advantages of the method used by your team?
Dog testing is non-invasive, comfortable, cheap and highly reliable. Detection can be done several times faster, but without unpleasant sampling, for example from the nasopharynx. Compared to classical antigen tests, it is also much more accurate. The method can be adapted to be suitable, for example, for school facilities or homes for the elderly. We have already successfully tested sampling and the way in which testing could be put into practice with first and second grade pupils at the Trojská Primary School in Prague.
So how much does testing with this method cost compared to diagnostic tests?
From an operational point of view, these dogs are a state-of-the-art biological detector that offers a highly sensitive real-time sensing system. All without the need to collect, process or analyse samples. Testing with the use of detection dogs is also less costly. The price of one sampling set is 50 CZK, and other costs are highly variable. If a state institution, such as the Police of the Czech Republic, were to decide to test in this way, it could use their current capacities and test thousands of samples with minimal cost. The main advantage remains high reliability. Dogs can also test a large number of samples. The exact number then depends on the capacity of the staff who help with sampling and testing.
To give us an idea, how does the testing work?
Sampling for testing is very easy and can be done by anyone. The test subject applies sampling material (sterile compression) to the upper part of their torso. The specially trained dog will sniff at the test material to determine if the person is positive or negative. When testing odour without sampling, the dog sniffs directly at the patient and determines if the patient is infected with the virus or not.
I imagine that a lot of samples were needed for the training, how did the SAR CZ team get those?
We cooperate, for example, with the Thomayer University Hospital, the University Hospital in Olomouc and with general practitioners, thanks to whom we obtain the samples for our dog training. Cooperation with the Czech Red Cross, which helps with the logistics and transport of samples, is also very important for the team.
How many specially trained dogs does the team already have available?
In total, eight dogs have been trained to be able to detect the presence of the virus in humans with an accuracy of almost 95%, i.e. higher than other testing methods. Other dogs are still in training.
Will it be possible to use this method for testing in companies?
I would like to add that anyone can be tested with this method. We do not need consent or recognition of the method. We have applied for an exemption in accordance with a decree of the Ministry of Health. The Ministry of Industry and Trade has issued a decree on mandatory testing, which is carried out from a decree of the Ministry of Health. In practice, this means that if a subject is interested in doing a test with this method, the method can be used it without any problems because we have the consent of the ethical medical committee. However, if this subject were to be audited on how it carries out mandatory testing, there could be a problem. As long as the subject uses canine detection plus antigen testing, all is well. Once testing is no longer compulsory, this method can be used by anyone who finds it better than the traditional antigen test.
Private companies, such as the project partner VAFO or even state organizations, have shown interest in this method of testing. It could also be applied in school or social facilities. It all depends on the approval of this method by the authorities. Last month we applied for an exemption to use COVID-19 testing by this method, just like the antigen tests, but we have not received any response yet.
Thank you for the interview and our fingers are crossed for the whole SAR CZ team.
Photo: SAR CZ
Choosing the right dog food is a beginning and the end of caring for your pet dog. We, as dog lovers, also know that quality dog food is not only positive for the health but also for the overall well-being of the animal. When choosing the dog food,...
Do you have any favourite books you would recommend your friends to read? Are any books about pets among those? Today, I will share with you the names of six books about dogs any animal lover shouldn’t miss in my opinion.
Who didn’t want an animal companion as a child? Keeping pets can be valuable experience for children. An animal companion also brings a lot of joy to the household. But taking care of a pet also brings many duties and responsibility. How to choose...
“You look so sad, you’re definitely hungry, here you are.” This is the sentence I often hear when my dog shows one of its dog faces. And he deserves “little something to eat” doing it before I even manage to do anything against that. To feed a dog...
Do you like travelling? And do you like travelling by plane? You don’t have to leave your dog or cat at home during your holidays. Some airlines allow small pets on the board if they are in a crate. What other conditions you have to meet?
We, as cat lovers, can’t get enough of cats and that’s why we also like to read books about them. Look at some of them you shouldn’t really miss.
Miniature dog breeds have specific requirements for nutrition and care in general. Their physical development is much faster. Besides from their subtle composition of body and jaws, it is therefore also necessary to take into account their fast...
It would probably entirely unnecessary to describe the appearance of the German Shepherd. Probably everyone, even non-dog-lovers, have seen the German series Inspector Rex.
Getting a cat doesn’t mean only buying a cat toilet, bowls, a bed and a couple of toys. You also have to realise that the animal will also need certain care and count with this already before getting it. Each breed has its own specifics. While some are...
The Persian longhairs have most likely descended from the Turkish Angoras, were bred in England at the end of the 19th century. Since then, they have undergone great changes, and today they have a much more compact body in comparison to the original...
The Czechoslovakian Wolfdog is a dog, with which you will definitely won’t get bored. The owners say that it’s often a great adventure with them. They are mesmerising animals and they definitely can’t deny their wolf ancestors. What is typical for all...
Do you take your dog or cat regularly on trips and holidays across the Czech Republic? Is travelling with your dog or cat fun for you and not a horror? Have you got a destination in mind, where you’d like to stay for longer or you’re even planning a...
