Majella National Park
ISPRA's forensic genetic analyzes shed light on the case of wolf of Vasto: conducted in less than three working days by the ISPRA molecular biology laboratory team in Ozzano dell'Emilia, they confirm that the wolf captured by the veterinary experts of the Majella National Park on the morning of Saturday 23 September near the Contrada Marinelle di San Salvo Marina (CH) is responsible for the attacks that occurred on the Abruzzo coast in the months of July and August.
Molecular fingerprinting
The DNA analyses, carried out on the blood sample taken from the animal by the veterinarians of the Majella National Park, made it possible to reconstruct its genetic profile, a sort of molecular fingerprint unique for each individual, and to compare it with the genetic profiles obtained from the traces of saliva left on the injuries of the attacked people and with those obtained from the fecal samples found in the areas close to the place of capture, usually frequented by the she-wolf.
The same individual
The genetic profiles obtained from the different types of samples analyzed were identical to each other, confirming that they all unequivocally belong to the same individual, a female wolf assigned to the Italian population with a probability of 99,8%. ISPRA worked in constant contact with the municipal administrations involved, the Abruzzo region, the Prefecture of Chieti, the Majella National Park, the Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security, the Forestry Carabinieri and the local health authorities. The results of the analyzes conducted by ISPRA they provide an essential basis for defining the most correct management decisions by the responsible administrations. (Source ISPRA)