Sniffer dogs can smell coronavirus with 92% accuracy

'Freya' correctly detects a sample from a row of sample pots at the 'Medical Detection Dogs' charity headquarters in Milton Keynes (Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images)

Police sniffer dogs have been found to be able to correctly identify coronavirus with nearly perfect accuracy.

That's according to the UAE Ministry of Interior, which said dogs were successful in identifying the virus in 92 per cent of cases during a recent trial.

The tests - undertaken safely at field hospitals to protect the dogs and their trainers - were aimed at enhancing precautionary measures during the pandemic.

Samples were taken from the armpits of suspected Covid-19 sufferers. These were then sniffed out by the dogs, without the need for them to come into contact with the people from which the samples were taken.

In theory, the accuracy of the dogs means coronavirus 'tests' could be carried out on the spot.

"Trained detection dogs are known for their extraordinary capabilities and skills that outdo other dogs, especially their strong sense of smell," the ministry said.

Sniffer dogs can smell coronavirus with 92% accuracy - here’s how they are trained