K-State lab site devoted to DNA registry

Manhattan, Kansas-Veterinarian Brad Fenwick at Kansas State University (KSU) plans to betteracquaint himself with the DNA of about 8,000 racing greyhounds over thenext several years.

Fenwick is in charge of a university laboratory that will process, catalogand permanently store the dogs' DNA. The goal is to evaluate the progressof DNA science and to develop the appropriate procedures for considerationof future implementation of a DNA genetic registration system by the NationalGreyhound Association in Abilene, Kansas.

The project, funded by a two-year grant from the Kansas Racing and GamingCommission, mirrors national level investigative projects, according toFenwick.

"The program that we developed closely parallels the programs usedby the FBI and Kansas Bureau of Investigation for criminal investigations,"says Fenwick. "In fact, we use almost the exact procedures includingevidence seals and chain-of-custody tracking."

He says DNA methods to determine the pedigree and distinguish individualdogs have dramatically advanced in recent years. The procedures also arerequired to be precise.

"As has been demonstrated in police laboratories, there is no marginfor error or sloppy procedures in a DNA laboratory," Fenwick says.

For more information, e-mail Fenwick at fenwick@vet.ksu.edu.