Sniffing Out the Pandemic: Thailand’s New Canine COVID‑K9s
In a move that could feel straight out of a sci‑fi movie, Bangkok rolled out a squad of six Labradors—yes, actually dogs—to help spot coronavirus by snuffling human sweat samples. The tech is still in its early stages, but the dogs already made a strong debut at Chulalongkorn University, boasting a success rate of roughly 95 % on the roughly 2,000 samples tested this month.
What They’re Doing (and How)
- No Human Contact Needed: The sniffers don’t have to waltz around the patients. Human sweat is squeezed into tiny metal containers—think miniature refrigerators for riddles—and handed over for the dogs to study.
- The “Scent of the Virus”: Once a sample carries the distinct odor of an infection—like a perfume that only COVID can spray—the dog slopes into a pause and points its nose right at the vial. It’s a sign that the sample belongs to someone who might be about to surface the virus.
- Speed‑Bite: “The canines are very fast at screening,” says co‑researcher Thitiwat Sirprasart. “At this pace, we can isolate those who appear to be infected from those who’re almost guaranteed virus‑free.” These pups outrun the traditional temperature checks that usually involve a long, awkward wait for a touch of a thermometer.
Road‑Map to Airports and Piers
The team behind the initiative hopes to roll out these sniff‑savvy dogs at transport hubs—including busy Bangkok airports and bustling boat piers—because a quick nose check is not only less invasive but also far more dependable than a sly temperature reading.
The Current Landscape
Thailand is wrestling with the fiercest surge yet, as confirmed data show about 123,066 new cases and 735 deaths—four times the earlier count, with deaths escalating sevenfold since the outbreak began at the start of April.
All in all, these dog‑powered tests are a reminder that sometimes the best tech comes from nature. With these nine‑to‑ten‑company K‑9s tackling the sniff game, Bangkok might just have found a new miracle at the counter for battling coronavirus—one wag at a time.
