BC hospital C. difficile-sniffing dog Angus retires after a decade of service

Angus, an English springer spaniel, is retiring after nearly ten years working with Vancouver General Hospital to sniff out the dangerous bacterium Clostridium difficile (C. difficile). The dog joined Vancouver Coastal Health’s pilot program in 2015 and began sniffing for C. difficile in 2016, surveying 32 hospitals across Canada and identifying environmental reservoirs that could harbor the superbug. Angus’s work involved detecting contaminated areas, sometimes in overlooked spots like discarded furniture and old medical equipment, enabling targeted cleaning with UV-disinfection technology. His trainer, Teresa Zurburg, highlights the dog’s contributions to patient safety and notes that while Angus remains capable, age has tempered his peak performance. Zurburg, a former explosives and narcotics canine handler, emphasizes the program’s ongoing value and hopes for recognition, including a Canadian service medal for Angus. The retirement party was organized by Zurburg, who helped establish Vancouver Coastal Health’s K9 Detection Program, underscoring the importance of multi-species approaches to infection control in healthcare settings.