Thought of the Day - November 11 - Detector Dogs Revisited

There is a news story that just keeps reemerging - Dogs That Can Detect COVID. This story came out way back in June ( Thought of the Day - June 27 - Detector Dogs ), but is still in the headlines around the world. The story keeps resurfacing as it is a "feel good" story in troubled times. The problem is that there are two conflicting points being associated in these articles: can dogs detect if people have COVID-19, and detector dogs should be used for airport screening. So to set the record straight:

1. Dogs can be trained to detect if people have COVID-19 - after extensive work;

2. Detector dogs will be of limited practical use in airports - other than as a travel deterrent.

My concern is, we are missing the real opportunity - Detector Dogs in Care-Homes. Care-homes do not have all of the foibles of the airports such as:

• limited exposure time;

• numerous people in the proximity;

• people actively trying to cover up potential medical issues;

• oh, and, obnoxious perfume kiosks.

Moreover, as well as saving lives through timely detection of any outbreaks - remember more that 80% of COVID deaths in Canada result from care-home infections ( Thought of the Day - August 2 - COVID Deaths in Canada Are All About Care Homes ) - they may also have a positive therapeutic effect for elderly shut-ins.

So why is this the story connecting detector dogs and airports the main news in circulation? I guess, unfortunately, there is no research money in care-homes.

Cheers

Cliff