Sometimes sticking your nose in everything can help prevent infections – that is, if you’re a qualified sniffer.
Agnus and Dodger sniffed their way to graduation with the Canine Scent Detection Program at Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) after recognizing an invisible and invasive bug in multiple health care facilities, including Richmond Hospital.
The two springer spaniels passed their odour-recognition tests with flying colours when they detected a superbug known as Clostridium difficile, or C. difficile, which attacks people whose immune systems are weakened by antibiotics.
“Angus and Dodger’s special talents have a tremendous impact on people’s lives by helping prevent the spread and infection of C. difficile,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health, in a media release.
When the dogs smell C. difficile, while sniffing around different clinical areas, they alert their handlers.
The sneaky superbug was found in many areas of a hospital that seemed to not have a high-risk of C. difficile such as hallways, staff lockers and lounges and waiting rooms.
“The canine team alerts have confronted our presumptions of where C. difficile reservoirs lie and challenged us to re-examine the way we approach infection prevention,” says Dr. Elizabeth Bryce, Director of Infection Control, Vancouver Coastal Health, in a media statement.
Teresa Zurberg, Angus’ handler, said in a statement that working with the Infection Control Practitioners allowed them to “identify how C. difficile is spreading” and “address cleaning and disinfection practices.”
According to the media release, the canine scent detection teams at VCH searched hundreds of hospital areas for C. difficile. They’ve also visited 30 Canadian health care facilities to share their infection prevention expertise.
