Scientists have studied the genetic code of dogs from the Chernobyl zone
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Scientists from the USA studied the genetic code of stray dogs living at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and in the exclusion zone. They analyzed the effects of radioactive radiation and found certain similarities in the genes of dogs from the Chernobyl zone. This is stated in a study published in Science Advances. After the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine in 1986, local residents were forced to evacuate permanently. They left not only their homes, but in some cases their pets as well. The authorities tried to destroy the stray dogs, but the population survived. Photo: Photozirka/Depositphotos Scientists decided to investigate the chronic effect of radiation on the genetic code of animals that lived in the exclusion zone for 30 years. For the experiment, they took the genetic material of 302 stray dogs from the Chernobyl zone. Dogs are conventionally divided into 3 groups: those living directly on the territory of the station, as well as at a distance of 15-45 km from the site of the disaster. They were compared with dogs from Vinnytsia. In total, kinship analysis revealed 15 families. The largest one covers all collection points in the radioactive exclusion zone. That is, the dogs migrated between the power plant and the city of Chernobyl and freely mated with each other. The genome of these animals differs from the material from other dogs that can breed freely in other cities and regions. The researchers found that, in general, the dogs living at the power plant are genetically different from the dogs from the city of Chernobyl. It appeared that there was little gene flow between the two groups, suggesting that they rarely interbred. Scientists also found out that the dogs from the Chernobyl nuclear power plant and the dogs from Chernobyl were of mixed origin. They have the most matches with the DNA of the German shepherd. Dogs from Chernobyl also had variants that are characteristic of boxers and rottweilers. The research was conducted in 2017-2019. Read also: How to provide first aid to a homeless animal – animal rights activists explain
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