Chilli, a rescued Labrador Retriever, is starting unique training to learn how to detect a dangerous bacterium that causes lung infections using her sense of smell.

Rescue dog to become one of world's few to detect serious infection

By Elodie Carpentier Author

Published on the 12/01/2026, 09:58

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The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause significant health problems.

Chilli is an exceptional Labrador Retriever. Rescued by Battersea in the UK, she has just started training to detect Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.

The bacterium Pseudomonas aeruginosa can cause significant health problems, including acute and chronic lung infections.

An exceptional sense of smell

While at the rescue centre, staff noticed Chilli was a confident dog with an exceptional sense of smell. They decided to put her unique abilities to good use by enrolling her in specialist training.

A life-saving education

Chilli spent last year learning the basics of scent work, bonding with her trainers, and thriving in volunteer foster homes. In 2026, she will begin her specific training to detect Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

In a video released on YouTube by MDD, Chilli can be seen training to sniff bricks to locate the specific scent her trainer has taught her.

Translated from Wamiz FR