Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
EmailIphone Application    Posted: 16th July 2021
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.
Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Covid-detection dogs study receives funding boost
Bio-detection dogs can sniff-out COVID-19 in people with up to 94 per cent accuracy.
Dogs could play a vital role in preventing the future spread of the pandemic.

UK charity Medical Detection Dogs has received a share of $1 million (£722,000) from the Royal Canin Foundation towards training dogs to detect COVID-19 in humans.

The organisation is working in partnership with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Durham University on the project, which could play a vital role in preventing the further spread of the pandemic in future.

“The nomination for Medical Detection Dogs, COVID Research was submitted by Royal Canin Associates, and every Associate is given the opportunity to vote for those that they believe should be supported by the Foundation,” explained Suzy Roffey, professional national sales manager at Royal Canin. “We were ecstatic that the nomination won the vote and extremely proud of the ongoing work we do in partnership with the organisation.”

Medical Detection Dogs announced earlier this year that bio-detection dogs can quickly and non-invasively sniff out COVID-19 in people with up to 94 per cent accuracy - even if they are not showing any symptoms. The team hopes that, once fully trained, the dogs could be deployed at airports, concert venues and sports stadiums to supplement ongoing testing. 

Dr Claire Guest, chief scientific officer at Medical Detection Dogs, said: “Knowing that we can harness the amazing power of a dog’s nose to detect COVID-19 quickly and non-invasively gives us hope for a return to a more normal way of life through safer travel and access to public places so that we can again socialise with family and friends.” 

Founded in December 2020, The Royal Canin Foundation provides financial and organisational support to projects across the globe. Its three areas of focus are: the health and welfare of working dogs, pets in support of medical health and pets in support of human mental health.

Medical Detection Dogs research is one of five projects that will receive a share of the US $1 million funds.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Submissions open for BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026

News Story 1
 The BSAVA has opened submissions for the BSAVA Clinical Research Abstracts 2026.

It is an opportunity for applicants to present new research on any veterinary subject, such as the preliminary results of a study, discussion of a new technique or a description of an interesting case.

They must be based on high-quality clinical research conducted in industry, practice or academia, and summarised in 250 words.

Applications are welcome from vets, vet nurses, practice managers, and students.

Submissions are open until 6 March 2026. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Survey seeks ruminant sector views on antimicrobial stewardship

A new survey is seeking views of people working in the UK ruminant sector on how to tackle the challenge of demonstrating responsible antibiotic stewardship.

Forming part of a wider, collaborative initiative, the results will help identify the types of data available so that challenges with data collection can be better understood and addressed.

Anyone working in the UK farming sector, including vets and farmers,is encouraged to complete the survey, which is available at app.onlinesurveys.jisc.ac.uk