Florida Now Has COVID Detecting Dogs (Yes, You Read That Right)

As we learn more and more about the global pandemic and the unique properties of COVID-19, scientists and other specialists are able to bring innovation to the table when it comes to tracking, testing for, and treating the virus.

A new and unique way of detecting the virus is starting to emerge in Florida, and it’s all thanks to our furry four-legged friends!

Florida International University’s International Forensic Research Institute (IFRI) in Tallahassee is now training a team of dogs to detect COVID-19 on campus. The dogs will work over the spring semester in an effort to slow the spread.

According to IFRI Director DeEtta Mills, “COVID-19 produces unique odor chemicals and also causes metabolic changes in those infected with the virus, resulting in odors that dogs can detect.”

The dogs that are trained at FIU are brought to large gathering places, like auditoriums, classrooms, etc. When the odor is detected, the area is then cleared for cleaning. You can check out a video of the dogs in action below!

These canines aren’t the only ones in the state of Florida learning how to detect the virus. Down in Miami, dogs will also be used to screen fans entering Miami Heat games this year, according to South Florida Sun Sentinel. We’ll have to wait and see if sniffer dogs will be used more broadly across the country, or even at security check points in and around theme parks like Disney World!

Click here to learn about rapid testing taking place at Orlando International Airport

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