The Department of Biological and Chemical Investigations of the State Forensic Science Bureau has successfully completed the validation of a molecular biology method for three genetic markers – 16SrRNA, COI and cytB – for determining the taxonomic affiliation of biological material of animal origin in forensic examination.
The validation was carried out in accordance with international guidelines for non-human DNA examination, testing the accuracy, reproducibility and robustness of the methods for various animal species and types of biological material, as well as degraded and fragmented DNA.
The new capabilities will allow:
- to identify the species of biological material of animal origin and its traces;
- to provide more reliable evidence in animal protection and poaching cases;
- to resolve cases of animal abuse;
- to confirm collisions with animals in road traffic accidents;
- to expand the use of forensic examination in the investigation of cases of food origin and illegal trade, etc.
The introduction of these markers strengthens the ability of SFSB forensic experts to provide scientifically sound and internationally comparable results. Experts also continue to work on the introduction of other genetic analysis methods.