The Development and Validation of a Standardized Canine STR Panel for Use in Forensic Casework

With approximately 40% of U.S. households having at least one dog, canine biological material is abundant and is frequently collected along with human evidence at crime scenes. The goal of this project is to develop and validate a canine forensic STR (short tandem repeat) panel, as well as a multiplex assay for analysis. The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL) has preliminarily identified a panel of 16 candidate STR markers with potential forensic use. The panel will be further examined for its suitability, multiplexed PCR assays will be designed, and a reference database will be developed and published. The deliverables will be a searchable canine STR reference database as well as analytical methods available for transfer to crime labs. Objectives: 1. Assemble previously identified canine STR markers into multiplex panels and optimize assay conditions. 2. Develop and evaluate canine STR database. 3. Collaborate with crime labs to validate the final canine STR panel. ca/ncf