Trials have begun in the UK to determine if dogs can detect COVID-19 in human beings, BBC reported.

The first phase of the trial will be directed by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, along with the charity and Durham University.

The study has received £500,000 of government funding.

Six dogs - including Labradors and Cocker Spaniels - began basic training for the test. The researchers plan at first to collect odor samples from both people infected with the virus and those who are not infected.