Dogs could be used in the fight against Covid-19 - by being trained to sniff out infected people. Researchers in Australia have begun the training of 14 dogs in a feasibility study and the animals could become part of the screening process for incoming visitors if successful.
Studies have previously shown dogs can detect particular odours - known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - which are produced by humans when they are suffering with a viral infection.
Dr Anne-Lise Chaber of the University of Adelaide's School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences said the current training will test the accuracy of dogs detecting VOCs in sweat samples from people infected with coronavirus.