CCMB

CSIR - Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology
Council of Scientific and Industrial Research

The Innovation Engine of India

Ministry of Science & Technology, Govt. of India

Wildlife Diagnostics

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Wildlife and their products represent the third greatest illegal traffic after drugs and arms. Illegal trade of wildlife is lucrative as the financial rewards are high and it involves considerably less risk. Worldwide, there exists enormous demand for wildlife products, such as, tiger parts in Chinese traditional medicines, bird feathers in ornamental jewellery or rhino horn as symbol of wealth.

 

In response to this, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was established in 1973 and it imposed a ban on illegal trade of wildlife parts and products derived from endangered species. However, enforcement of laws and strict adherence to norms stipulated by International Conventions remains a challenge.

Monitoring of illegal wildlife trade primarily requires species, individual and sex identification from parts and products seized at the checkpoints. Identification using morphological keys are often not reliable and do not lead to successful prosecution of the offender. In such cases, modern molecular approaches have great utility. DNA can be extracted from highly processed and degraded wildlife products such as, cooked and dried meats, claws on tanned hides, dried shark fins, egg shells, animal hairs, bone, ivory, horns, turtle shell, feathers and fish scales and even from baggage used for carrying the illegal wildlife products. LaCONES plays an important role in unambiguously identifying species involved in illegal wildlife trade by furnishing reports to law enforcement agencies.

Similarly, wildlife diseases pose an enormous threat. Early detection of diseases in wildlife population could lead to control of their spread and mortality of animals. Using DNA based techniques, LaCONES provides diagnosis of wildlife diseases.

Charges on Diagnostic Services

S.No Service Regular Cost (Rs.) Cost (Rs.) Inclusive of tax (18% GST)
1
Fertility (Progesterone/ Estradiol/ Testosterone) including pregnancy detection and stress hormone (Cortisol) analysis in wild animals (for 10 samples)
2600.00
3068.00
2
Species identification per sample
5000.00
5900.00
3
Paternity testing/relatedness
12000.00
14160.00
4
PCR based diagnosis (RTPCR) for RNA virus related diseases, per sample
8000.00
9440.00
5
PCR based diagnosis for DNA virus related diseases, per sample
4000.00
4720.00
6
Diagnosis of Bd in minimum 10 samples using nested PCR and qPCR
3600.00
4248.00
7
Sexing of birds per sample
800.00
944.00
8
Semen and Sperm profiling with chemical immobilization
4000.00
4720.00
9
Semen and Sperm profiling without chemical immobilization
3000.00
3540.00

Wildlife Forensic Investigation Do's and Don't's

Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) on DNA Techniques in Wildlife Forensics

Frequently asked questions

Both fresh as well as dried tissue samples can be used for DNA extraction. It may include whole blood, blood stains, hairs, bones, meat flesh, skin pieces, faeces, tooth pulp etc.
It is essential for persons who collect biological samples to have some knowledge of DNA extraction and testing procedures so that he or she can take precautionary measures to ensure the integrity of DNA during collection.
Although small quantities of biological samples can yield sufficient DNA for profiling, it is always prudent to obtain as much forensic specimens as reasonable.

To minimize loss of quantity and quality of DNA, it is necessary to properly store the samples after collection. Sometimes the quantity of forensic specimens is small and limited and cannot be obtained second time. These materials (Tissues/biopsies) should essentially be stored at low temperatures, as described, or fixed in a solution like normal saline (0.85% solution of sodium chloride), alcohol or covered completely with common salt. The biological material can then be transported at room temperature for short periods or low temperature (in dry ice) for long period transportation.

In case of blood 50-100 micro liter of EDTA (0.5M solution) should be added to 5-10 ml of blood as an anticoagulant at the time of collection with gentle mixing for five-ten (5-10) minutes. It is always better to use EDTA vacutainers (pre-coated with EDTA, commercially available) for collection of blood. Proper hygiene must be maintained while collecting the samples. Dry samples should be collected in clear envelopes to avoid any possible contamination. These packets should be kept either in a cool and dry place or in frozen condition.

The dung/fecal sample should be collected and stored in plastic bags / zip-lock bags containing silica gel for desiccation and to prevent the growth of microbes. Make sure to collect the outer layer from the dung/fecal sample without too much disturbances. Since the outer layer is in contact with the intestinal tract, so this contains the cells. The dung/fecal sample should not be touched with bare hands to avoid contamination. Try collecting dung/fecal sample, which is fresh to few days old. After collection the dung/fecal sample should be stored at 4°C.

It all depends on the recovery of moderately good quality of DNA from such samples. It may be successful in some cases, which of course can be tried in our laboratory.

Any investigation officer (Government or private) can be a forwarding authority of the sample.

As such there is no a strict and specific pro forma for the details of samples. However, the minimum information required for examination of a sample, such as information about the handling and storage condition of the sample, date of collection, signed forwarding letter etc. should accompany the forward ale.
In such situation the case should be forwarded through the state or central forensic laboratory, following the regular norms of forwarding a case for forensic investigation. We will submit the report of examination to that particular laboratory, which may later be defended by the scientific representative of that laboratory
Presently, the examination fee is Rs. 5000.00 for Species Identification and Rs. 12,000.00 for paternity testing / individual identification / relatedness / disease detection per sample examined. The amount is exclusive of 18% GST. Any number of samples can be forwarded. The total fee of examination depends on the number of samples forwarded and questions that are asked in the forwarding letter to resolve a particular case. The fee of examination plus 18% GST is to be submitted only by demand draft (No cheques will be accepted) drawn in favor of The Director, CCMB, payable at Hyderabad. Fees can also be paid in cash at the address mentioned below. This fee charged is a nominal amount towards the expanses on chemicals/reagents used for analysis. Fees once paid will not be refunded.
DNA analysis report and case properties can be collected by a person duly authorized by the same forwarding authority. The person should possess valid identity proof.
After submission of the DNA analysis report, the forwarding authority should make arrangements to take back the case properties/samples within one month. The case properties/samples will be incinerated if not taken back within one month of report submission. The perishable/putrefied samples will be incinerated immediately upon completion of DNA analysis.
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