Search Dogs Research Articles

Application of gas sensor technology to locate victims in mass disasters – a review

AbstractThe occurrence of mass disasters are increasing as a result of changing climates and the growing threat of terrorist activities/conflicts. When these tragedies strike, it is critical to locate victims. While search and rescue dogs are trained to locate the living, cadaver detection dogs are trained to locate the deceased. These dogs rely on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the victims to do so. Knowing which dog unit to deploy can be challenging, and the victims’ makeup is likely to change following disasters in densely inhabited places, where commingling is likely to occur. The use of electronic nose technologies in forensic science is a recent breakthrough. Due to their ability to detect differing VOCs, this technology can be used to assist in the recovery of victims in disaster events. The most popular types of accessible gas sensor technologies are briefly introduced and compared in this article for their potential use to locate missing persons, both living and deceased. The current and future market needs are articulated, and the lack of enrichment of these needs is examined in relation to the capabilities of existing gas sensors. This will inform further research areas of preference to increase victim detection capabilities.

Evaluation of hydroelectrolytic, energetic supplementation, and clinical laboratory parameters in search and rescue dogs

Establishing methods and actions to improve performance and reduce changes during physical activity is essential in search and rescue dogs. Studying the changes in search and rescue dogs during working activities and how to correct them can help improve their performance and avoid complications. Six healthy adult dogs, which had participated in search and rescue operations for at least one year, were used. Animals had no evidence of clinical disease nor received any supplement or medication prior to the assessment. Dogs were evaluated before, during, and after exercise and submitted to volume replacement with mineral water (T1) and hydroelectrolytic supplementation (T2). Body temperature (BT), parameters of hydration (body weight, erythrogram, and total protein (TP)), energy indicators (glucose, lactate), electrolytes (K+, Na+, Cl-, P+, Ca2+, Mg2+), and hormone levels (cortisol, aldosterone, insulin) were determined. After exercise, isotonic dehydration was detected in both treatments, accompanied by erythrocytosis and weight loss. During the recovery phase, in both treatments, dogs presented a significant increase in BT and lactate and a significant decrease in insulin, TP, and P+. BT and lactate increased after exercise and returned to basal upon recovery. Insulin decreased after exercise without changes in glucose. The maintenance of cortisol indicated the adjustability of dogs to environmental stimuli and stress resistance, and aldosterone did not change during exercise. Both volume replacement with water or hydroelectrolytic and energetic supplementation can correct the isotonic dehydration exhibited by dogs.

Umwelt and Melody: The Inter-Species Dynamics of Search and Rescue Dog Teams

This text explores Search and Rescue (SAR) dog work, examining the interplay of Umwelt, semiosis, and behavior in both dogs and humans. Drawing on Uexküll’s notion of Umwelt, the discussion unfolds across two semiotic levels: endosemiosis, involving the constitution of species-specific Umwelten through non-mimetic processes, and exosemiosis, reflecting semiotic interactions within the established Umwelt. Emphasizing the Kantian influence on Uexküll, the text parallels the concept of transcendental schematism with monogram drafting, illustrating how organisms constitute their Umwelten. The exploration extends to Merleau-Ponty’s interpretation of the monogram in Kant and the Umwelt in Uexküll, framing behavior as melodic and underscoring the reciprocal influence between an organism and its Umwelt. Shifting focus to SAR dog teams, the essay elucidates the melodic teamwork between human handlers and dogs. It discerns the convergence of distinct search tones—human-driven rescue tones and dog-driven reward tones—harmonizing in a dynamic inter-species melody. The melodic metaphor, inspired by Merleau-Ponty, illuminates the shared behavioral space where humans and dogs contribute tonalities to the melody of SAR searches. The exploration underscores the handler’s role in facilitating this melodic collaboration, requiring interpretation deeply immersed in the movements of the dog, and a balance between guidance and trust in the dog’s autonomy during the search.

Observational Study on Cardiac Activity in Rescue Dogs with Holter and Electrocardiogram Methodologies during a Simulated Search Activity.

The aim of this study was to observe electric cardiac activity in real working conditions, with the application of Holter and the electrocardiogram in search and rescue dogs. Thirty-one handlers of search and rescue dogs voluntarily participated in this study. Nine dogs were selected to wear the Holter, and twenty-three were submitted to electrocardiographic recordings (one dog, excluded by Holter examination, was then included in the ECG group). Our results showed few cardiac rhythm alterations, such as escape beats, premature ventricular beat, and depression and elevation of the ST segment, particularly during the working phase in the Holter group and during recovery time immediately after activity in the electrocardiographic group. Detected alterations in real working conditions may provide more information than routine checks, and Holter monitoring can be more functional. However, not all dogs tolerate wearing the Holter harness, and more time is thus needed to apply the equipment. In addition, the results are not immediate, and the absence of water is essential because it would damage the equipment.

Тактические особенности использования одорологической биодетекции в целях повышения информативности процесса расследования преступлений в сфере незаконного оборота наркотиков

Purpose: based on the analysis of the current state of the use of such bio-detectors as search dogs in the police department, to establish the need to develop tactical solutions aimed at fixing the facts of the signaling behavior of search dogs during investigative actions (searches) on crimes in the field of drug trafficking to increase the information content of the investigation process. Methodology: the methodological basis of the work is presented by such methods as description, analysis, historical method, comparative legal analysis. Conclusion: fixing the fact of detecting odorous traces of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances that remain in places where narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances were stored by criminals earlier, but were moved, for subsequent use in the investigation when establishing "virtual" episodes of criminal activity. Scientific and practical significance: improvement of tactical techniques, procedural consolidation of "virtual" episodes, providing for the fixation and detailed description in the protocol of the investigative action of information about places where narcotic drugs could previously be in order to increase the information content of the investigation process of crimes in the field of drug trafficking. The fixation of these circumstances in conjunction with other sources of information will allow to objectify information about the duration and scope of criminal activity of the organized criminal group (C).

Work bout handling of a search dog reduces handgrip strength and increases firefighters' risk of falls.

Firefighters work with dogs as support for their search activities for victims. Firefighters who handle dogs supposedly have higher acute muscle pain, more stumbling, and fatigue. This study aimed to verify the influence of a mantrailing dog on the firefighter's psychophysiological and muscular responses and the number of imbalances in a simulated activity of searching for people. The sample consisted of 10 canine operators characterized by mass (92.57 ± 9.66 kg), height (1.78 ± 0.06 m), age (37.8 ± 2.1 yr), and length of service (9.5 ± 4.6 yr), who performed a search activity under 2 experimental conditions (dog condition and control condition). The simulated search activity consisted of a predefined hike of 2.5 km between the beginning of a search and the place where the sham victim was hidden. Cardiometabolic variables, pain level, and muscular performance were measured pre and postactivity (time factor). The number of imbalances suffered during hiking was also quantified. ANOVA data indicated interactions (condition × time) related to handgrip strength (P < 0.05). Handgrip strength was reduced in the postsearch activity with the dog, and it increased the control when compared to the preactivity (-12.3% versus +9.2%). Also, the level of pain and discomfort in the neck, trunk, and hip regions was higher with dogs (P < 0.05). Under the dog and control conditions, there were 25 and 05 imbalances, respectively, during the hike. There were no significant differences between the experimental conditions for vertical jump performance and cardiovascular responses either with dog or control. The findings of this study highlight that a mantrailing dog with the firefighter increased the number of slips, trips, sudden changes in direction, and loss of body balance, accompanied by a reduction in handgrip strength, and increased acute pain in the neck, trunk, and hip. These findings may contribute to support strategies for mitigating injuries and optimizing the performance of canine operators in the fire department and other units cinotechnic.

Scent Detection Threshold of Trained Dogs to Eucalyptus Hydrolat.

Dogs' (Canis lupus familiaris) sense of smell is based on a unique anatomy and physiology that enables them to find and differentiate low concentrations of odor molecules. This ability is exploited when dogs are trained as search, rescue, or medical detection dogs. We performed a three-part study to explore the scent detection threshold of 15 dogs to an in-house-made Eucalyptus hydrolat. Here, decreasing concentrations of the hydrolat were tested using a three-alternative forced-choice method until the first incorrect response, which defined the limit of scent detection for each tested dog. Quantitative proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to identify and measure the contents of ten commercial Eucalyptus hydrolats, which are used in a dog scent training sport called "nose work". In this study, the dogs' limit of detection initially ranged from 1:104 to 1:1023 but narrowed down to 1:1017-1:1021 after a training period. The results show that, with training, dogs learn to discriminate decreasing concentrations of a target scent, and that dogs can discriminate Eucalyptus hydrolat at very low concentrations. We also detected different concentrations of eucalyptol and lower alcohols in the hydrolat products and highlight the importance of using an identical source of a scent in training a dog for participation in canine scent sport competitions and in olfactory research.

Firefighters and police search dog handlers’ experiences working closely with paramedics in urban search and rescue incidents: a qualitative focus group study from Oslo

BackgroundRescue operations are in Norway defined as situations where patients are difficult to access or that more resources are needed than the health services alone possess and can put in operation (Bull A, Redningshåndboken er endelig her! [Internet]. Hovedredningssentralen. 2018 [cited 2023 May 15]. Available from: https://www.hovedredningssentralen.no/redningshandboken-er-endelig-her/). Rescue operations after large incidents may include civil protection, military forces, non-governmental organizations and other resources, but the initial rescue effort must be performed by the emergency services as time often is of essence. The central area of an accident where special training and personal protection equipment is necessary or mandatory is called the Hot Zone. This study examines Urban Search And Rescue (USAR) firefighters and police officers reported experiences from ambulance personnel’s contribution in the Hot Zone.MethodsWe conducted five focus group interviews with USAR-trained firefighters and police officers. The interviewees were those on duty on the agreed dates. The interviews were taped, transcribed, and analysed using thematic analysis as described by Braun & Clarke.ResultsThree themes were identified; Feeling safe during missions, Building USAR capacity, and Trust-building within USAR-teams. The firefighters and police officers reported their and the patients’ safety are best managed by EMS-personnel, whose presence strongly contributes to their own feeling of safety in a dangerous area. When EMS handles victims and injured emergency workers, firefighters and police officers can focus on their own primary tasks. Indeed, interviewees reported that building a USAR capacity depends on having USAR-trained EMS-personnel in the Hot Zone. The interviewees have clear and consistent opinions on how to establish an interagency USAR capacity effectively. Trust is paramount to the interviewees, and they express a high degree of trust within USAR Oslo.ConclusionsFirefighters and police officers regard USAR-trained EMS-personnel as a natural and integrated part in urban search and rescue teams. EMS-personnel in the dangerous area deliver safety and medical professional assistance to both rescue workers and patients. Informants in this study had clear opinions on how to establish and maintain such a service.

КРИТЕРІЇ ВІДБОРУ СЛУЖБОВИХ СОБАК ДЛЯ ДРЕСИРУВАННЯ ЗА НАПРЯМОМ РОЗШУКОВОЇ СЛУЖБИ

The article highlights the criteria for selecting service dogs of the State Criminal and Exsecutive Service of Ukraine for training in the framework of the search service. Defects, diseases and deficiencies with which service dogs of all types of training cannot be admitted to training as part of the department’s cynology teams are characterized. Recommendations are provided for determining the suitability of service dogs for training of the search service. The method of establishing the nature of the predominant reactions of the behavior of service dogs is characterized. For training, it is advisable to select dogs that are energetic, active, brave, mobile and quite excitable, i.e. choleric and sanguine. Phlegmatics and melancholics are not suitable for training. A refined technique with the help of which the nature of the prevailing reactions of the behavior of service dogs is established and their suitability or unsuitability for training according to the direction of the search service is determined. According to this criterion, service dogs are considered suitable for training if they have a predominant active-defense reaction, uniform development of orientational and active-orientational reactions, and uniform development of food and active-defense reactions. When determining the suitability of a service dog for training, the commission must examine it in a state of rest, and then in motion, establish its age, physical qualities, state of health, assess the acuity of smell, sight, and hearing and, in accordance with the specified methodology, establish the nature of the prevailing behavioral reactions. Therefore, the criteria used to determine the suitability of service dogs to undergo training as part of cynology teams of the search service are compliance with the established requirements regarding age, state of health, standards of constitution and exterior of the relevant breeds, the presence of a certain type of higher stressful activity and the necessary prevailing reactions of the body’s behavior, which are determined using the specified method. Taking into account the above criteria, during the selection of service dogs for training, in combination with educational training activities, will allow to achieve the educational goals of primary professional training of cynology teams with search dogs, in particular, and to bring the state of cynology support of the department into compliance with the specified requirements, as a whole. Key words: initial professional training, junior dog inspectors, criteria, selection, training, search dogs.

The Role of Nurses in the Reclassification Exercise of the Japan Disaster Relief Search and Rescue Team (the JDR Rescue Team)

Introduction:The JDR Rescue Team has successfully completed the INSARAG External Re-Classification (IER) process, which evaluates the operational capability and capacity of Urban Search and Rescue (USAR) teams and has achieved the highest “Heavy” reclassification in November 2022. Two nurses participated in the IER process as part of the medical unit of JDR Rescue Team. In addition, ten registered nurses cooperated as Exercise Control (EXCON).Method:Summarize the JDR Rescue Team and medical unit and make observations on what nurses did in the IER.Results:The JDR Rescue Team is dispatched by the Government of Japan in response to large-scale disasters overseas. The task force team has 75 members from various specialties, including the rescuer, and medical unit. The medical unit consists of one medical manager, 2 doctors, and two nurses. There are currently about 50 registered medical unit members in our team, and of these, a total of 23 nurses are registered. The role of nurses during the IER process, includes a 36-hour non-stop scenario-based exercise. The team nurses are involved in various roles, such as Confined Space Medicine (infusion for patients, assisting on-site amputation), caring or treating injured rescuers and search dogs, providing health and welfare monitoring and operating a decontamination system. The EXCON nurses were involved in managing the simulation. One of their key roles was to play as a victim realistically so as to provide a sense of tension for the simulation.Conclusion:The JDR Rescue Team has more medical unit members than those in other countries. In particular, teams with so many nurses are rare. nurses played a vital role in this IER. The contribution of nurses is identified in order to make the international USAR team more strong and more flexible.

СУТНІСТЬ ТА ЗМІСТ ПІДГОТОВКИ МОЛОДШИХ ІНСПЕКТОРІВ-КІНОЛОГІВ ДО ФОРМУВАННЯ НАВИКІВ СЛУХНЯНОСТІ У РОЗШУКОВИХ СОБАК

The Strategy for Reforming the Penitentiary system until 2026 states that during the specified period, it is necessary to ensure, among other things, the formation of an effective model of training and activity of the personnel of the penitentiary system. In order to create an effective model of training and activity of the department’s personnel, the scientific and pedagogical staff of the department of cynology at the Territorially Separate Branch «Khmelnytskyi Branch of the Academy of the State Penitentiary Service» based on the analysis of the state of cynology support of the units of execution of punishments system, made changes to the educational and methodological support of educational activities. Among the tasks assigned to the cynology service by the leadership of the State Criminal and Executive Service is the task of improving training methods and tactics for the use of service dogs in the security system of penitentiary institutions and detention centers. To fulfill the specified task, the scientific and pedagogical staff of the department of cynology prepared and introduced changes in the methodology of training service dogs in various areas of training, taking into account the specifics of the service activity of the structural divisions of the penitentiary system, the training of special dogs to search for narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances was started, and the preparation for training cynology dogs was completed teams with attacking dogs. The article is addresses to highlighting the peculiarities of teaching the educational discipline «Methodology and technique of training service dogs» at the Department of Cynology in general, and methodical aspects of conducting a training course with junior cynology inspectors on the formation and improvement of obedience skills in search dogs assigned to them, in particular. In the context of the tasks defined by the guidelines for search dogs, changes to the set of obedience skills exercises for the training course are proposed and their general characteristics are given. It was determined that the basis of the effective conduct of the training course is mastery of the theoretical aspects of training by dog trainers, knowledge and use of methodical techniques and mastery of the technique of error-free execution of training exercises to form the complex of necessary skills in service dogs. Key words: technique, obedience skills, training, junior cynology inspector, service dogs.

Prevalence and etiology of dentoalveolar trauma in 1,592 United States military working dogs: A 1-year retrospective study.

The objective of this study was to quantify the overall prevalence and classification of traumatic dentoalveolar injury (TDI) in a large population of military working dogs (MWDs). The medical records of 1,592 MWDs undergoing routine oral exam and periodontal treatment over a 1-year period were reviewed. The MWDs were located at over 100 military veterinary treatment facilities across the globe. Patient signalment, occupational duty certification, tooth injured, and trauma etiology were recorded. The overall prevalence of TDI was 43.6%. The mean number of TDI per MWD was 1.2. Maxillary tooth fractures were the most common at 60.9% compared to mandibular tooth fractures 39.1%. The most common TDI was enamel-dentin-pulp fractures which accounted for 59.9% of all injuries. Specialized Search Dogs (SSDs) had the highest average of enamel-dentin and enamel-dentin-pulp tooth trauma. Incidental findings with an unknown cause accounted for the majority of tooth trauma 69.2% followed by housing 18.2%, bite work 6.2%, and blunt force trauma 6.0%. The frequency of TDI in the MWD population was substantial, with more than one out of every four MWDs requiring treatment. The probability of a tooth injury in the MWD population was nearly double compared to the pet dog population. Tooth type and age were significant predictors of severe tooth trauma requiring treatment. Improved understanding of MWD tooth trauma prevalence and risk factors will help drive change while maintaining deployment readiness of the team.

The role of digital technologies for the canine units involved in the law enforcement in European countries

The aim of the article was to consider the role of digital technologies in law enforcement by canine units in European countries. Comparison and observation methods were the main methodological tools. The research showed that European K9 units assist in rescue operations, detection of prohibited substances, firearms and ammunition. Their activity is necessary during the tracking and arrest of criminal suspects. European canine units are responsible for protecting service dogs from undue risk. It was found that tactile interfaces, UAV-based surveillance sensors, video surveillance systems and GPS are becoming components of European requirements for canine service activities. Projects implemented as part of the European research and innovation program Horizon 2020 aim to develop technologies for rapid response services. It is concluded that, the INGenIOuS Project resulted in the development of an effective K9 vest for a search dog, which is based on a complex of modern digital technologies. In addition, the installation of devices in patrol cars can help to save a working dog.

Factors affecting locomotor activity of search and rescue dogs: The importance of terrain, vegetation and dog certification

Ground SAR work is a demanding activity that requires trained dogs to work reliably for hours in various terrain and environmental conditions. Factors that would affect a dog’s physical performance in conditions imitating a real SAR mission remain poorly studied. We tested a total of 50 shepherd dogs between 2 and 10 years of age. The group comprised dogs that were both certified and uncertified in SAR work. Testing took place during 5 simulated all-day search sessions. We wanted to know how terrain slope, vegetation cover, ambient temperature, and the number of search rounds would affect locomotor activity of both certified and uncertified dogs. The locomotor activity of dogs was described by vertical and horizontal speed, duration of the search as well as the ratio of time spent in vertical (i.e. uphill) locomotion to total time of locomotion (this ratio is herein referred to as “effectiveness”), and duration of the search. We found out that SAR certification was associated with an increased effectiveness; certified dogs spent more time in energy-conserving horizontal locomotion along contour lines. Terrain and environmental factors influenced both certified and uncertified dogs; a slope of 11° or greater increased vertical speed and duration of searching but decreased effectiveness. Thick vegetation slowed horizontal and vertical locomotion, impaired effectiveness and prolonged search times. Relatively high temperatures (>20 °C) also contributed to longer search times. In order to make quick decisions and attain success during SAR operations, authorities responsible for SAR missions must have a sound knowledge of the locomotor characteristics and skill level (certification level) of SAR dogs in relation to terrain and environmental conditions.

Targeted Mop up and Robust Response Tools Can Achieve and Maintain Possum Freedom on the Mainland.

Simple SummaryTo achieve the goal of Predator Free 2050, new pest control methods must be found and existing ones refined. We achieved the first >11,000-hectare possum elimination (all possums removed, and re-invaders subsequently mopped up) on mainland New Zealand at an unfenced site, largely protected from possum reinvasion by mountains and rivers. This was within a project to eliminate rats, possums and stoats. We spread a biodegradable poison called sodium fluoroacetate twice by helicopter and used existing ground-based methods (leghold traps, cage traps and a dog) paired with new technology (trail cameras and remote reporting of traps instead of manual checking) to maximise response efficiency. Possums were eliminated in 11 months from 11,642 hectares at a cost of NZD 1.6 million (1080 costs for all 3 species combined and ground-based costs for possums only). New possums entered the site at a rate of four per year and were detected and caught before a breeding population could establish. This proof of concept can now be repeated to confirm its success elsewhere, refine methods, and reduce costs. In the future, if possums are the sole target, we will likely spread 1080 once only and use effective mop-up tools to finish the job.Unfenced sites on mainland New Zealand have long been considered impossible to defend from reinvasion by possums, and are thus unsuitable for eradication. In July 2019, we began eliminating possums from 11,642 ha (including approximately 8700 ha of suitable possum habitat) in South Westland, using alpine rivers and high alpine ranges to minimise reinvasion. Two aerial 1080 (sodium fluoroacetate) applications, each with two pre-feeds, were used. Here, we detail the effort to mop up existing possums and subsequent invaders in the 13 months following the aerial operation. Possums were detected and caught using a motion-activated camera network, traps equipped with automated reporting and a possum search dog. The last probable survivor was eliminated on 29 June 2020, 11 months after the initial removal operation. Subsequently, possums entered the site at a rate of 4 per year. These were detected and removed using the same methods. The initial elimination cost NZD 163.75/ha and ongoing detection and response NZD 15.70/ha annually. We compare costs with possum eradications on islands and ongoing suppression on the mainland.

Electrocardiogram Measurement and Emotion Estimation of Working Dogs

Physiological measurements of dogs' emotional states during human-animal interactions are essential for understanding the underlying biological relationship. Heart rate measured by electrocardiogram (ECG) can be used for the physiological measurement of emotional state. Soft disposable electrodes, which can be purchased commercially and reduce the risk of an injury on hitting objects, are used to measure the heart rate during working dogs' exercise. However, the heart rate measurements using soft disposable electrodes in M-X lead layout are unstable due to the detachment of electrodes during intensive movement. In addition, the collection of accurately labeled ECG data, which reflects the emotion of the working dog during exercise, is a key issue to conduct reliable estimation and visualization of the working dog's emotional states. In this paper, we propose an innerwear that fixes soft disposable electrodes in M-X lead layout on a dog's body for measuring the heart rates of exercising dogs, even during intense movement. We experimentally tested the proposed method using seven dogs. Our proposed system reduced the time required to attach soft disposable electrodes by more than two-thirds and enabled the measurement of >97% of the heartbeats in exercising dogs. We also proposed a method for collecting ECG data with reliable positive/negative emotional labels of search and rescue (SAR) dogs. A combination of the collected data with the emotion estimation algorithm proposed in previous studies estimated SAR dogs' positive/negative emotions at 97.9% accuracy. The transition of the two SAR dogs' emotions during drills was visualized using the collected data.

Possible Hazards And Risks That Search And Rescue (SAR) Dogs May Face In CBRN Incidents

Professional search and rescue (SAR) dogs, which are members of urban search and rescue teams with the help of their higher sense organs with rigorous training, are very helpful in finding buried or missing persons in disasters. In these environments where chaos and disorder prevail, it becomes inevitable for them to face very dangerous and risky situations. As a result of a disaster caused by chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) accidents, dangers such as chemical leaks, pathogenic microorganisms, toxins, vectors, and radioactive and nuclear materials in the environment are among the forgotten or neglected facts that SAR dogs affect as well as affect humanity. Working with little or no personal protective equipment during search and rescue interventions makes them completely vulnerable to these hazards. In the limited resources in the literature on CBRN risks and dangers that search and rescue dogs working in disaster areas may encounter, SAR dogs are exposed to many chemicals and toxic agents during these studies, as well as biological hazards such as protozoal or coliform bacterial organisms, and radiological hazards such as the risk of ingesting radioactive materials and breathing dust. their arrival has been determined. With this study, it was aimed to emphasize the dangers faced by SAR dogs and to emphasize what has been done and what should be done to reduce the possible risks. As a result, necessary precautions should be taken to prevent and/or reduce these possible exposures of SAR dogs, and further studies should be carried out for appropriate standard procedures for appropriate rehabilitation and decontamination.

Identifying SARS-COV-2 infected patients through canine olfactive detection on axillary sweat samples; study of observed sensitivities and specificities within a group of trained dogs.

There is an increasing need for rapid, reliable, non-invasive, and inexpensive mass testing methods as the global COVID-19 pandemic continues. Detection dogs could be a possible solution to identify individuals infected with SARS-CoV-2. Previous studies have shown that dogs can detect SARS-CoV-2 on sweat samples. This study aims to establish the dogs’ sensitivity (true positive rate) which measures the proportion of people with COVID-19 that are correctly identified, and specificity (true negative rate) which measures the proportion of people without COVID-19 that are correctly identified. Seven search and rescue dogs were tested using a total of 218 axillary sweat samples (62 positive and 156 negative) in olfaction cones following a randomised and double-blind protocol. Sensitivity ranged from 87% to 94%, and specificity ranged from 78% to 92%, with four dogs over 90%. These results were used to calculate the positive predictive value and negative predictive value for each dog for different infection probabilities (how likely it is for an individual to be SARS-CoV-2 positive), ranging from 10–50%. These results were compared with a reference diagnostic tool which has 95% specificity and sensitivity. Negative predictive values for six dogs ranged from ≥98% at 10% infection probability to ≥88% at 50% infection probability compared with the reference tool which ranged from 99% to 95%. Positive predictive values ranged from ≥40% at 10% infection probability to ≥80% at 50% infection probability compared with the reference tool which ranged from 68% to 95%. This study confirms previous results, suggesting that dogs could play an important role in mass-testing situations. Future challenges include optimal training methods and standardisation for large numbers of detection dogs and infrastructure supporting their deployment.

Deep Learning Empowered Wearable-Based Behavior Recognition for Search and Rescue Dogs.

Search and Rescue (SaR) dogs are important assets in the hands of first responders, as they have the ability to locate the victim even in cases where the vision and or the sound is limited, due to their inherent talents in olfactory and auditory senses. In this work, we propose a deep-learning-assisted implementation incorporating a wearable device, a base station, a mobile application, and a cloud-based infrastructure that can first monitor in real-time the activity, the audio signals, and the location of a SaR dog, and second, recognize and alert the rescuing team whenever the SaR dog spots a victim. For this purpose, we employed deep Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) both for the activity recognition and the sound classification, which are trained using data from inertial sensors, such as 3-axial accelerometer and gyroscope and from the wearable’s microphone, respectively. The developed deep learning models were deployed on the wearable device, while the overall proposed implementation was validated in two discrete search and rescue scenarios, managing to successfully spot the victim (i.e., obtained F1-score more than 99%) and inform the rescue team in real-time for both scenarios.

Sickness Rate of Service Dogs in Cynological Centers of Ukraine

Service dogs are an important asset of law enforcement agencies. Therefore, understanding their medical problems, knowing general characteristics such as numbers, age, breed, gender, and purpose is crucial to maintaining their health and readiness to perform complex tasks. Analysis and dissemination of such information is an urgent task for specialists and scientists dealing with the problems of keeping, providing, and veterinary care for service dogs. The purpose of this study was to analyse the results of statistical reports on the incidence of service dogs from 24 regional canine centres of law enforcement agencies of Ukraine. In total, data on 822 service dogs and records of 839 cases of diseases were considered. Data on the number, age, gender, and direction of use of service dogs were also analysed. It was found that internal non-contagious ailments were identified among the diseases. Most of the problems were with the gastrointestinal tract: dyspepsia, alimentary enteritis, and gastritis. It was found that among the diseases of the visual and hearing organs, otitis media and cataracts were most often detected. Traumatic injuries accounted for 16.7% of all records, most of which were classified as wounds. It was found that every seventh disease was related to the skin. Among them, two diseases had a considerable predominance: dermatitis and eczema. Another group was detected with a frequency of more than 5% – parasitic diseases, of which babesiosis was the most common. The study also found that one in twenty animals had diseases of the musculoskeletal system, of which arthritis and hip dysplasia were mainly found. Statistical calculations have shown heterogeneity in the distribution density of dogs, both in relation to the population and the area of the region. Chernivtsi Oblast had the best density indicators, and Zhytomyr Oblast had the lowest. Among service dogs, females have an advantage – sexual differentiation was 1/1.15. An even distribution of the number of service dogs by age was found, ranging from 2 to 7 years, with a weighted average age of 4.9 years. The most common breeds were: German and Belgian shepherds, as well as Labrador. Special and search dogs prevailed for their intended purpose. The practical value of this study lies in the fact that certain patterns of morbidity of service dogs provide an opportunity to change the strategy of their selection, training, and treatment to use this valuable resource more effectively.