Currently, identification of animals is done through internal or external identification devices that are either inserted into the animal or attached on the outside. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 18 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korean researchers have developed a technology that uses genetic markers to find lost cats.
Genetic markers refer to a gene or DNA sequence with a known location on a chromosome that can be used to identify individuals or species.
The Rural Development Administration (RDA) announced Tuesday that it has developed a genetic marker for cats that can distinguish cat species and verify family relations by scanning the differences in the DNA like fingerprints.
Currently, identification of animals is done through internal or external identification devices that are either inserted into the animal or attached on the outside.
Genetic markers can replace them as effective tools for precise identification using DNA information, without any surgical requirements.
The research team designated genetic markers of 15 different cat species common in South Korea, including Persian, Russian Blue, and others.
“This technology offers a faster and cheaper alternative to help identify a cat,” the RDA said. “It will be used for protecting lost or abandoned pets as well as other areas in the pet industry.”
The technology can also verify family relations of a cat, which can offer precise breeding information of a cat.
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
