1
|
Schwabenlander MD, Bartz JC, Carstensen M, Fameli A, Glaser L, Larsen RJ, Li M, Shoemaker RL, Rowden G, Stone S, Walter WD, Wolf TM, Larsen PA. Prion forensics: a multidisciplinary approach to investigate CWD at an illegal deer carcass disposal site. Prion 2024; 18:72-86. [PMID: 38676289 PMCID: PMC11057675 DOI: 10.1080/19336896.2024.2343298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Infectious prions are resistant to degradation and remain infectious in the environment for several years. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) has been detected in cervids inhabiting North America, the Nordic countries, and South Korea. CWD-prion spread is partially attributed to carcass transport and disposal. We employed a forensic approach to investigate an illegal carcass dump site connected with a CWD-positive herd. We integrated anatomic, genetic, and prion amplification methods to discover CWD-positive remains from six white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and, using microsatellite markers, confirmed a portion originated from the CWD-infected herd. This approach provides a foundation for future studies of carcass prion transmission risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marc D. Schwabenlander
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Jason C. Bartz
- Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Michelle Carstensen
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Alberto Fameli
- Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Health Program, Forest Lake, MN, USA
| | - Linda Glaser
- Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish & Wildlife Research Unit, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Roxanne J. Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Manci Li
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Rachel L. Shoemaker
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Gage Rowden
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Suzanne Stone
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - W. David Walter
- Minnesota Board of Animal Health, Farmed Cervidae Program, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Tiffany M. Wolf
- U.S. Geological Survey, Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Peter A. Larsen
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
- Department of Veterinary Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Miranda-de la Lama GC. Electro-thermal injuries in ruminants caused by electrical equipment during pre-slaughter operations: Forensic case reports from an animal welfare science perspective. Forensic Sci Int 2024; 356:111936. [PMID: 38290416 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2024.111936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
The use of electrical equipment for herding and moving livestock (electric batons) or for stunning animals before slaughter (electric stunners) is widespread in the livestock and meat industries worldwide. The use of these equipment is restricted to specific procedures and/or exceptional circumstances that justify their rational use. However, these restrictions can be underestimated or disregarded due to ignorance, inexperience, incompetence or irresponsibility on the part of users, resulting in pain and suffering to the animals and, in some cases, electro-thermal injury. This report presents four forensic cases of electro-thermal injuries identified during post-mortem animal welfare assessments in slaughterhouses in Colombia, Mexico and Spain. Electro-thermal injuries caused by contact (accidental or intentional) of equipment electrodes with skin and subcutaneous tissue are presented. Although our cases are isolated events detected over a 5-year period, they provide a useful visual guide for technicians and veterinarians interested in the differential diagnosis between bruises and electro-thermal injuries. The differentiation of the equipment causing the injuries allows the identification and control of critical points for animal welfare along the pre-slaughter logistic chain and the elimination of inappropriate animal handling practices.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Genaro C Miranda-de la Lama
- Group of Animal Welfare, Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
İşbilir F, Güzel BC. Morphometric analysis of the mandible of ram and ewe romanov sheep (Ovis aries) with 3D modelling: A CT study. Anat Histol Embryol 2023; 52:742-751. [PMID: 37158331 DOI: 10.1111/ahe.12932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
2D images view hardly measurement points due to the overlap of anatomical features. This challenge is overcome by 3D modelling. In particular, images obtained by computed tomography are converted into 3D models through certain software. In sheep breeds with high polymorphism, some changes have occurred in their morphology due to both environmental and genetic factors. In this context, determining the osteometric measurements of sheep and revealing breed-specific characteristics provide very important data for forensic, zooarchaeological, and developmental sciences. Mandibular reconstruction measurements are used to reveal differences between species and between sexes and for treatment and surgery in many fields of medicine. In the present study, morphometric characteristics were determined by 3D modelling from computed tomography images obtained from mandibles of Romanov ram and ewe. For this purpose, mandibles of 16 Romanov sheep (eight females and eight males) were used. They were scanned using a 64-detector MDCT device at 80 kV, 200 MA, 639 mGY, and 0.625 mm slice thickness. CT scans were recorded in DICOM format. Reconstructions of the images were made using a special software program. Volume and surface area measurements were made with 22 osteometric parameters of the mandible. GOC-ID had a statistically significant positive correlation with GOC-ID, PC-ID, GOC-MTR, GOC-PTW, GOC-FMN, PMU, MDU, PDU, DU, GOV-PC, GOV-IMD, MTR-MH, MO-MH, FMN- ID, BM, MG, and CG (p < 0.01). GOC-ID had a statistically significant correlation with MTR-ID, GOV-CR, PTW-MH and SI (p < 0.05). When the CR-PC measurement point was examined, it was observed that it had no statistically significant correlation with all measurement points (p > 0.05). As a result of the measurement, it was found that the volume and surface areas were higher in rams than in ewes. The morphometric data obtained would be a reference income in the fields of zoo-archaeology, anatomy, forensics, anaesthesia, surgery, and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fatma İşbilir
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Siirt University, Siirt, Turkey
| | - Barış Can Güzel
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Siirt University, Siirt, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Heinrich J, Berger C, Berger B, Hecht W, Phillips C, Parson W. The LASSIE MPS panel: Predicting externally visible traits in dogs for forensic purposes. Forensic Sci Int Genet 2023; 66:102893. [PMID: 37290253 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsigen.2023.102893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Predicting the outward appearance of dogs via their DNA, also known as Canine DNA Phenotyping, is a young, emerging field of research in forensic genetics. The few previous studies published in this respect were restricted to the consecutive analysis of single DNA markers, a process that is time- and sample-consuming and therefore not a viable option for limited forensic specimens. Here, we report on the development and evaluation of a Massively Parallel Sequencing (MPS) based molecular genetic assay, the LASSIE MPS Panel. This panel aims to predict externally visible as well as skeletal traits, which include coat color, coat pattern, coat structure, tail morphology, skull shape, ear shape, eye color and body size from DNA using 44 genetic markers in a single molecular genetic assay. A biostatistical naïve Bayes classification approach was applied to identify the most informative marker combinations for predicting phenotypes. Overall, the predictive performance was characterized by a very high classification success for some of the trait categories, and high to moderate success for others. The performance of the developed predictive framework was further evaluated using blind samples from three randomly selected dog individuals, whose appearance was well predicted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josephin Heinrich
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Cordula Berger
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Burkhard Berger
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Werner Hecht
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Christopher Phillips
- Forensic Genetics Unit, Institute of Forensic Sciences, University of Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Walther Parson
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria; Forensic Science Program, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Herwijnen IRV, van der Borg JAM, Kapteijn CM, Arndt SS, Vinke CM. Factors regarding the dog owner's household situation, antisocial behaviours, animal views and animal treatment in a population of dogs confiscated after biting humans and/ or other animals. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282574. [PMID: 36947497 PMCID: PMC10032511 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
To examine the dog ownership factors characteristic to a population of dogs confiscated after a human and/ or animal-directed biting incident, we compared bite risk assessment reports of 159 confiscated dogs in the time frame 2008, 2009, 2010 (tf1) and of 215 confiscated dogs in the time frame 2020, 2021, 2022 (until mid-May; tf2). The reports were compiled by the same institute in a standardized format. We studied frequencies and chi-square pairwise comparisons (P<0.05) for 30 identified ownership factors. Overall (tf1 and tf2), 1,308 ownership factors were mentioned in the reports and reports mentioning ≥5 factors were twice as frequent in tf2 (38%) than tf1 (16%). Our data suggest that nine factors may in particular serve as a warning signal for biting incidents, as these factors were most frequently (≥15%) prevalent in the total of reported cases: having a multiple dog household, a dog reportedly roaming a neighbourhood without an owner, a dog's care tasks being transferred, a short leash and muzzle obligation served to the owner for a dog, an isolated and/ or confined keeping of a dog, a dog owner's (suspected) substance abuse, a dog owner's (suspected) animal abuse, a dog owner aggressing at confiscation of the dog and a dog owner being reported on for antisocial behaviours such as intimidation. Particularly, a dog owner's aggressive or antisocial behaviours and previous obligations to muzzle and short leash a dog (in our dataset often inappropriately adhered to by owners), may indicate that a proportion of owners of confiscated dogs, may not always be willing and/ or capable to guarantee societal safety. The results show that identification of dog ownership factors, might be useful for establishing biting incident policies and further studies should be done on preventive measures and controls.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ineke R van Herwijnen
- Division of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne A M van der Borg
- Division of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Chantal M Kapteijn
- Division of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia S Arndt
- Division of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Claudia M Vinke
- Division of Animals in Science and Society, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Population Health Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Fukushima AR, Peña-Muñoz JW, Leoni LAB, Nicoletti MA, Ferreira GM, Delorenzi JCMOB, Ricci EL, Brandão ME, Pantaleon LDP, Gonçalves-Junior V, Waziry PAF, Maiorka PC, Spinosa HDS. Development, Optimization, and Validation of Forensic Analytical Method for Quantification of Anticholinesterase Pesticides in Biological Matrices from Suspected Cases of Animal Poisoning. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10050269. [PMID: 35622682 PMCID: PMC9144076 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10050269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Anticholinesterase pesticides are a main cause of the intentional or accidental poisoning of animals. Anticholinesterases include several substances that cause the overstimulation of both central and peripheral acetylcholine-dependent neurotransmission. Forensic analyses of poisoning cases require high levels of expertise, are costly, and often do not provide reliable quantitative information for unambiguous conclusions. The purpose of the present study was to develop and validate a method of high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array detector (HPLC−DAD) for the identification and quantitation of n-methyl carbamates, organophosphates and respective metabolites from biological samples of animals that were suspected of poisoning. HPLC−DAD is reliable, fast, simplistic and cost-effective. The method was validated for biological samples obtained from stomach contents, liver, vitreous humor and blood from four different animal species. The validation of the method was achieved using the following analytical parameters: linearity, precision, accuracy, selectivity, recovery, and matrix effect. The method showed linearity at the range of 25−500 μg/mL, and the correlation coefficient (r2) values were >0.99 for all matrices. Precision and accuracy were determined by the (a) coefficient of variation (CV), (b) relative standard deviation low-quality control (LQC), (c) medium-quality control (QCM), and (d) high-quality control (QCA). The indicated parameters were all less than 15%. The recovery of analytes ranged from 31 to 71%. The analysis of results showed no significant interfering peaks due to common xenobiotics or matrix effects. The abovementioned method was used to positively identify pesticide analytes in 44 of the 51 animal samples that were suspected of poisoning, demonstrating its usefulness as a forensic tool.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- André Rinaldi Fukushima
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (L.d.P.P.); (V.G.-J.); (P.C.M.); (H.d.S.S.)
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde IGESP (FASIG), São Paulo 01301-000, Brazil; (E.L.R.); (M.E.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | | | | | - Maria Aparecida Nicoletti
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (M.A.N.); (G.M.F.)
| | - Glaucio Monteiro Ferreira
- Faculdade de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil; (M.A.N.); (G.M.F.)
| | | | - Esther Lopes Ricci
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde IGESP (FASIG), São Paulo 01301-000, Brazil; (E.L.R.); (M.E.B.)
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, São Paulo 01302-907, Brazil;
| | - Marlos Eduardo Brandão
- Faculdade de Ciências da Saúde IGESP (FASIG), São Paulo 01301-000, Brazil; (E.L.R.); (M.E.B.)
| | - Lorena de Paula Pantaleon
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (L.d.P.P.); (V.G.-J.); (P.C.M.); (H.d.S.S.)
| | - Vagner Gonçalves-Junior
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (L.d.P.P.); (V.G.-J.); (P.C.M.); (H.d.S.S.)
| | | | - Paulo Cesar Maiorka
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (L.d.P.P.); (V.G.-J.); (P.C.M.); (H.d.S.S.)
| | - Helenice de Souza Spinosa
- Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-270, Brazil; (L.d.P.P.); (V.G.-J.); (P.C.M.); (H.d.S.S.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Flis M, Flis A. Zróżnicowanie postrzałów z myśliwskiej broni o lufach gwintowanych w zależności od rodzaju pocisków – opiniowanie sądowe. ARCHIVES OF FORENSIC MEDICINE AND CRIMINOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.4467/16891716amsik.21.008.15618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cel pracy: W pracy przedstawiono podstawowe zasady opiniowania sądowego w sytuacjach postrzeleń ludzi lub zwierząt na polowaniach z broni długiej o lufach gwintowanych, w tym postrzeleń ze skutkiem śmiertelnym.
Materiał i metody: Opinie takie wydawane są w oparciu o zgromadzony materiał dowodowy oraz wiedzę biegłego z zakresu broni i amunicji, balistyki jak również z zakresu medycyny anatomopatologicznej.
Wyniki: Tego rodzaju kompleksowe analizy pozwalają na wydanie szczegółowej, a zarazem precyzyjnej opinii jako szczególnego środka dowodowego, mającego najistotniejsze znaczenie w przebiegu całego postępowania procesowego. Dlatego też niezmiernie ważnym jest właściwe zabezpieczenie materiału dowodowego w postaci pocisku lub jego fragmentów i konfrontacji tych elementów z oceną rany postrzałowej, a przede wszystkim kształtu i rozmiaru kanału postrzałowego oraz chwilowej jamy postrzałowej. Tego rodzaju postępowania są dość skomplikowane, gdyż wymagają od biegłego szerokiego spektrum wiedzy, dlatego też niejednokrotnie celem rozwikłania skomplikowanej materii będącej przedmiotem opiniowania, zachodzi konieczność wydania opinii nawet przez kilku biegłych.
Konkluzja: Opiniowanie sądowe w sprawach dotyczących postrzału, w tym ze skutkiem śmiertelnym, wymaga od biegłego interdyscyplinarnej wiedzy specjalistycznej. Wszelkie analizy w tym zakresie oparte powinny być o ekspertyzę balistyczną w aspekcie oceny rany postrzałowej. Połączenie tych dwóch elementów warunkuje wydanie obiektywnej i niebudzącej wątpliwości interpretacyjnych opinii.
Differentiation of shots from hunting weapons with threaded barrels depending on the type of projectiles – forensic opinions
Aim of the study: The paper presents the basic principles of judicial review in cases of shooting people or animals on hunting with rifled long weapons, including deaths with a fatal outcome.
Material and methods: Such opinions are issued on the basis of the collected evidence and the knowledge of an expert in the field of weapons and ammunition, ballistics as well as in the field of anatomopathological medicine.
Results: This type of comprehensive analysis allows for the issuance of a detailed and at the same time precise opinion as a special means of evidence, having the most important importance in the course of the entire trial. Therefore, it is extremely important to properly secure the evidence in the form of a bullet or its fragments and to confront these elements with the assessment of the gunshot wound, and above all the shape and size of the gunshot canal and the momentary gunshot cavity. These types of proceedings are quite complicated, as they require a broad spectrum of knowledge from an expert, therefore, in order to solve the complicated subject matter of the opinion, it is often necessary to issue an opinion even by several experts.
Conclusions: Forensic opinions in cases related to gunshots, including fatal ones, require an expert to have interdisciplinary specialist knowledge. All analyzes in this regard should be based on ballistic expertise in the aspect of gunshot wound assessment. The combination of these two elements determines the issuance of an objective and unquestionable interpretation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marian Flis
- University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
van Bruggen LWL, Marrero JPD, Grinwis GCM, Endenburg N, Gerretsen RRR, Nijs HGT. Renal secondary hyperparathyroidism should be considered a differential diagnosis in forensic cases where animal abuse is suspected. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2022; 18:491-496. [PMID: 35984603 PMCID: PMC9636077 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-022-00501-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
This case description reports an adult dog with multiple rib fractures that was initially suspected to be the victim of non-accidental trauma, but eventually was diagnosed with severe chronic interstitial nephritis and renal secondary hyperparathyroidism leading to fibrous osteodystrophy and multiple pathological fractures. The importance of the specific expertise of a dedicated expert panel on animal abuse is discussed. This case illustrates the significance of the identification of normal, pathological, and breed-related variations within an animal in addition to forensic expertise, emphasizing that the presence of multidisciplinary teams in an expert panel on animal abuse is crucial.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leonie W. L. van Bruggen
- Division Integrating Disciplines (Diagnostic Imaging), Department Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Javier P. Deniz Marrero
- Division Pathology, Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Guy C. M. Grinwis
- Division Pathology, Department Biomolecular Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nienke Endenburg
- Division Animals in Science and Society, Department of Population Health Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Reza R. R. Gerretsen
- Division of Special Services and Expertise, Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - Hubert G. T. Nijs
- Division of Special Services and Expertise, Netherlands Forensic Institute (NFI), The Hague, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bartelink EJ, Clinkinbeard S, Spessard C, Kilmartin A, Spangler WL. Documenting non-accidental injury patterns in a dog abuse investigation: A collaborative approach between forensic anthropology and veterinary pathology. J Forensic Sci 2021; 67:756-765. [PMID: 34816439 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.14948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This case study demonstrates how animal abuse investigations can benefit from collaboration between forensic anthropologists and veterinary pathologists, especially in investigations involving trauma assessment of skeletal remains. In 2009, four deceased dogs were excavated from a residential property in conjunction with a case of suspected animal abuse. The decomposed remains were skeletonized to permit assessment of biological profiles, individualization, and trauma analysis. Each dog was identified based on their sex, age-at-death, fur coloration patterns, and through investigative information. The analysis conducted by forensic anthropologists in collaboration with a veterinary pathologist revealed evidence of perimortem blunt force trauma on all four skeletons. The distribution and severity of the injuries, including fractures concentrated mainly on the axial skeleton (i.e., skull, thorax, and vertebral column) and pelvis, are consistent with documented cases of non-accidental injury (NAI) reported in the literature. Healed rib fractures were also noted on one of the dogs, and likely occurred a few weeks prior to death, further supporting a diagnosis of NAI. The skeletal trauma findings were inconsistent with the dog owner's account of how each dog had died and were instrumental in resolving the investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Bartelink
- Human Identification Laboratory, Department of Anthropology, California State University-Chico, Chico, California, USA
| | - Shannon Clinkinbeard
- Human Identification Laboratory, Department of Anthropology, California State University-Chico, Chico, California, USA
| | - Crystal Spessard
- Department of Anthropology, San Diego State University, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Aoife Kilmartin
- Alpine Ranger District, U.S. Forest Service, Alpine, Arizona, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Carew RM, French J, Morgan RM. 3D forensic science: A new field integrating 3D imaging and 3D printing in crime reconstruction. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2021; 3:100205. [PMID: 34746730 PMCID: PMC8556510 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2021.100205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
3D techniques are increasingly being used by forensic scientists in crime reconstruction. The proliferation of 3D techniques, such as 3D imaging and printing being employed across the various stages of the forensic science process, means that the use of 3D should be considered as a distinct field within forensic science. '3D Forensic Science' ('3DFS') is therefore presented in this paper as a field that brings together a range of 3D techniques and approaches that have been developed within different areas of forensic science for achieving crime reconstructions and interpreting and presenting evidence. It is argued that by establishing this distinct field, defining its boundaries, and developing expertise, best practice and standards, the contribution of 3DFS to the criminal justice system can be maximised and the accuracy and robustness of crime reconstruction endeavours can be enhanced.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachael M. Carew
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK
| | - James French
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK
| | - Ruth M. Morgan
- UCL Department of Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9EZ, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Plummer PJ, Hempstead MN, Shearer JK, Lindquist TM. Evaluating the Welfare of Small Ruminants: Practical Management Advice. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract 2021; 37:33-54. [PMID: 33541701 DOI: 10.1016/j.cvfa.2020.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This article discusses key welfare issues for small ruminants and gives practical management advice. Welfare assessment is vital to ensure that optimal conditions are provided. Practitioners can play a key role in identifying areas of potential welfare compromise and implement interventions. With the knowledge and careful identification of indicators of welfare, practitioners and producers can develop a management plan that can ensure proper nutrition, environment, and health to allow for natural behaviors and a positive affective state; identification of animal health and management issues; and (3) allocation of adequate resources to improve the welfare of sheep and goats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paul J Plummer
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 2426 Lloyd Vet Med Center, Ames, IA 50011, USA.
| | - Melissa N Hempstead
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 2426 Lloyd Vet Med Center, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Jan K Shearer
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 2426 Lloyd Vet Med Center, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| | - Taylor M Lindquist
- Department of Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Iowa State University, 2426 Lloyd Vet Med Center, Ames, IA 50011, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Miranda-de la Lama GC, González-Castro CA, Gutiérrez-Piña FJ, Villarroel M, Maria GA, Estévez-Moreno LX. Horse welfare at slaughter: A novel approach to analyse bruised carcasses based on severity, damage patterns and their association with pre-slaughter risk factors. Meat Sci 2020; 172:108341. [PMID: 33096428 DOI: 10.1016/j.meatsci.2020.108341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The study presents a novel veterinary forensic approach to analyse the bruising of horse carcasses, based on the nature of the bruises and how they are grouped in certain anatomical areas. Data on pre-slaughter logistics was obtained for 113 journeys with horses that travelled from Mexico and the USA to a Mexican abattoir. We found that carcass bruising was a highly prevalent problem (79% of carcasses had bruising) and was especially problematic in journeys lasting longer than 12 h, independently of the animal's country of origin, sex, age, lairage time or vehicle type. Multivariable logistic regression showed that the most severe bruises were not dispersed randomly on the carcass and that their distribution was associated with the presence of medium-sized bruises on the abdominal wall, front and rear limb. Cluster analysis suggested four damage patterns based on bruise location: severe and concentrated bruising, as well as non-severe bruises on the rear limb, thoracic-wall or more dispersed throughout the carcass.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Genaro C Miranda-de la Lama
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain; Department of Food Science, Metropolitan Autonomous University (UAM-Lerma), Lerma de Villada, State of México, Mexico.
| | - César A González-Castro
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, Autonomous University of Zacatecas (UAZ), El Cordobel, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Francisco J Gutiérrez-Piña
- Academic Unit of Veterinary Medicine and Husbandry, Autonomous University of Zacatecas (UAZ), El Cordobel, Zacatecas, Mexico
| | - Morris Villarroel
- Department of Animal Science, E.T.S.I.A. Polytechnic University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gustavo A Maria
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura X Estévez-Moreno
- Department of Animal Production & Food Science, Agri-Food Institute of Aragon (IA2), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Rebollada-Merino A, Bárcena C, Mayoral-Alegre FJ, García-Real I, Domínguez L, Rodríguez-Bertos A. Forensic cases of suspected dog and cat abuse in the Community of Madrid (Spain), 2014-2019. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 316:110522. [PMID: 33038828 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Companion animal abuse is an issue that concerns not only veterinarians and law enforcement agencies but also society in general. Animals that die under suspicious or violent circumstances should be submitted to reference laboratories for a postmortem examination by veterinary forensic pathologists trained to recognize animal abuse. Nevertheless, the low notification rate of such cases in Spain may explain the country's lag in the development of veterinary forensics and the limited information available on animal abuse epidemiology in comparison with other countries. By sharing information among the entities involved in recognizing animal abuse, we can better address these issues, thus improving veterinary forensics in Spain (and elsewhere). In this study, we analysed the cause and manner of death of 96 dog and cat carcasses suspected of animal abuse. These cases were submitted to our diagnostic laboratory for forensic postmortem examination by public agencies and animal protection centres. To our knowledge, this is the first study to focus on the postmortem analysis of forensic cases of suspected dog and cat abuse in Spain. On the basis of gross and histopathological findings, we distinguished between natural and non-natural abuse-related deaths, classifying the latter. We confirmed that most of the dog deaths were related with abuse, though the suspected abuse and the cause of death did not always coincide. In contrast, cause of death was determined to be natural in many of the cat suspected abuse cases. The most frequent non-natural abuse-related cause of death in dogs was blunt force trauma (n=24, 43.64%), followed by firearm injuries (n=10, 18.18%), asphyxia (n=5, 9.09%), heatstroke (n=3, 5.45%), starvation (n=2, 3.64%), bite injury (n=1, 1.82%), and sharp force trauma (n=1, 1.82%). In cats, the most common cause of death was blunt force trauma (n=9, 21.95%), followed by firearm injuries (n=3, 7.32%) and bite injury (n=2, 4.88%). The main goal of our study is to share our results with the scientific community to advance the field of veterinary forensics in Spain, which will lead to more successful prosecutions by law enforcement agencies. Finally, we highlight that veterinarians who can accurately recognize signs of animal abuse may be able to better respond to cases of companion animal cruelty, which in turn, may prevent possible escalation to interpersonal violence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Carmen Bárcena
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Isabel García-Real
- Department of Internal Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucas Domínguez
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Department of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Rodríguez-Bertos
- VISAVET Health Surveillance Centre, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain; Department of Internal Medicine and Animal Surgery, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wilkinson L, Bailey JW, Gwinnett C. The creation of an assessment tool for the analysis of two forms of heat damage in animal hair. Forensic Sci Int 2020; 312:110265. [PMID: 32473524 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2020.110265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Animal cruelty cases can involve a variety of mistreatment to domestic animals. A common source of abuse is the use of heat sources, such as ovens, hot surfaces and microwaves. Analysis of damage to skin by a veterinarian is a key aspect of these investigations but additional information can be provided by observing the hair of the animal, including heat source type and exposure time. This study developed an objective grading system for the analysis of heat damage in hairs which can be used to quantify different damage characteristics including bubbling, discolouration, expansion of hair, fractures, changes to the medulla and scales and scale removal/melting. This grading scheme was applied to the investigation of dog (Canis familiaris) skin samples with full pelage and loose hairs exposed to microwaves and a heated environment in order to identify any distinguishing damage characteristics from the two different heated environments. Samples were exposed to a furnace for 1min at different temperature ranges (50-350°C with 50°C intervals) and also a microwave at maximum power for different time periods (15, 30, 45, 60, 120, 180, 240 and 300s). Hairs were extracted for examination using high powered light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Overall, it can be determined that the type of damage observed is influenced by the nature of heat applied and the context and substrate in which the hair is situated at the time of exposure. Using principal component analysis (PCA) it was concluded that as temperature increases in a furnace so does the severity of each of the damage characteristics observed. It can be noted that with furnace exposure, any one of the characteristics could be used to indicate the temperature to which it has been exposed. For furnace exposed samples there was no significant difference between loose or embedded hairs. PCA analysis determined that there are two independent forms of damage that occur when hairs are exposed to microwave radiation, these are: increased bubbling and discolouration in the root and increased bubbling and discolouration of the shaft and tip. Exposure time is correlated with both the root and shaft/tip observations. The results indicated some clear distinctions between heat source and exposure useful for the objective interpretation of such evidence. This standardised approach for the observation of heat damage characteristics in animal hair provides investigators with a tool to differentiate between methods of abuse, providing a greater understanding of the crime committed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Wilkinson
- Criminal Justice and Forensic Department, Staffordshire University, The Science Centre, Leek Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 2DF, England, United Kingdom.
| | - J William Bailey
- University of Salford, Salford Crescent, Salford, England, M54WT, United Kingdom.
| | - Claire Gwinnett
- Criminal Justice and Forensic Department, Staffordshire University, The Science Centre, Leek Road, Stoke on Trent, ST4 2DF, England, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|