Royal visit for Medical Detection Dogs study

The Duchess of Cornwall was up in Durham, where dogs are being trained to sniff-out coronavirus.

Author: Dan GoodingPublished 10th Sep 2020

A Buckinghamshire charity's coronavirus study has had some royal attention.

The Duchess of Cornwall has been up to Durham University, where Medical Detection Dogs are doing their training to sniff-out Covid-19.

HRH is the Patron of the Great Horwood-based charity.

She was checking in on how the study is going in Durham, to find out if the dogs can sniff-out coronavirus.

Professor Stephen Lindsay, from the University, says if successful they would be able to be used at airports worldwide:

"We've had a considerable interest in this operation and we have been contacted by 60 organisations around the world who are interested in health security at borders."

Her Royal Highness visited the indoor training room to watch two dogs, cocker spaniel, Asher and fox red Labrador, Belle, as they sniffed out COVID-19 samples alongside Bio Detection Specialist Trainers.

Guests, donors and supporters also watched the demonstration via a Zoom call.

Her Royal Highness also watched a second demonstration, portraying passive screening.

This could be carried out by dogs in operation in public places such as airports.

HRH Duchess of Cornwall said to the charity at the visit:

"From the minute I visited you, I knew there was something special about these dogs.

"It will be a game changing moment for this country and the world."

It was a big day for the study group and so a much-needed rest was needed at the end of it:

Find out more about the charity's work on their website.