UAE study shows dogs can detect COVID-19 virus in 2 seconds

In a world first, the UAE’s Federal Customs Authority (FCA) has carried out a study into deploying the K9 unit to detect the COVID-19 virus, revealing that they can find it within two seconds.

The Authority partnered with the Higher Colleges of Technology to conduct the research that used a sample of 1,000 participants at screening centres.

The final results showed a 98 per cent correlation between PCR tests and the canine detections.

Ali Saeed Mattar Al Nayadi, Commissioner of Customs and Chairman of the FCA, said the success of the research reflects the authority’s keenness to play an effective role in the protection of society and the enhancement of security and stability.

He added the study also highlighted the authority’s aim to implement the UAE leadership’s directives in confronting the effects and implications during the COVID-19 pandemic, in line with the UAE Vision 2021 and UAE Centennial 2071.

The Commissioner said this will pave the way for future use of the Customs’ K9 unit in addressing the risks and effects of natural and health disasters; and in detecting viruses, narcotics and hazardous materials.

He also pointed out that using K9 sniffer dogs to detect the coronavirus will save effort and time and reduce the pressure for frontline heroes, such as medical and hospital workers by 98 per cent, in addition to ensuring budget cost-effectiveness by saving millions of dirhams that can otherwise be used in vital sectors, such as infrastructure, healthcare, education and security.

The study will be proposed for publication in a renowned international peer-reviewed scientific periodical.