A SPOOF video featuring dogs sniffing out sexually transmitted diseases has been welcomed as an apt way to raise awareness of the dangers of unprotected sex.

The mockumentary follows the fictional officers and dogs of the STI Detection Unit as they sniff out undetected STIs around the UK.

It was released on YouTube by Randox Laboratories and Langland in partnership with Hungry Man comedy directors Chaplin & Forbes to promote Randox Laboratories’s new Confidante home STI test, which will enable people to test themselves in the comfort of their own home.

Aimed at 25 to 34-year-olds, the film shows unsuspecting punters outed in public by Radar, Jazz, Frisbee and their handlers, ending with an invitation to ‘check your privates in private’.

Dr Ayoola Oyinloye, Swindon Council public health consultant, said she hoped the new film would not cause offence and reassured potential patients they do not need to buy the home-test kit in order to seek testing.

She said: “This film certainly promotes awareness of sexually transmitted infections in a provocative way. STIs are an issue nationwide and the festive period can be a time when people are at increased risk.

“We want to reassure everyone that they are, unfortunately, quite a common problem and nothing to be ashamed about.

“STI testing is available free and in confidence through the Swindon Sexual Health Service.

“Chlamydia continues to be the most commonly diagnosed STI in Swindon.

“The infection often doesn’t display obvious symptoms. However, if left untreated the condition can lead to long-term health consequences including infertility.

“Most sexually transmitted infections can be prevented by mutual fidelity to an uninfected partner or use of barrier contraception, such as condoms.”

Chris Henry, marketing manager at Randox, said: “Our goal was to engage a whole new audience of potential customers who may be too embarrassed to get a sexual health check.

“We believe this campaign does exactly that, communicating the shock of being exposed in public, but doing it with humour, in a way people can engage with, without feeling they are publically declaring they have an STI.”

While the campaign centres around the ‘Sniffers’ mockumentary, it is being driven with on-going social engagement across YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.

Anyone who is concerned about having an STI can call 01793 604038 to book a private appointment, go to a drop-in clinic or see their GP.

More information is available online at www.swindonsexualhealth.nhs.uk