A recent investigation into the accuracy of pet DNA testing has fetched a rather unusual story of mistaken identity, with a twist that could have pet owners howling with disbelief or barking up the wrong tree. In a startling revelation, a pet DNA company has been caught on the tail end of a testing snafu, having twice mistakenly identified human DNA samples as belonging to various dog breeds.
This quirky tail, er, tale began when a Boston-based reporter cheekily submitted her own DNA to DNA My Dog, a pet DNA testing company. The result? According to the company’s analysis, the reporter’s genetic makeup included a menagerie of canine counterparts:40% Alaskan malamute,35% shar-pei, and 25% labrador. While some might find the concept of being part-puppy charming, it raises significant questions about the reliability of such genetic testing services.
The plot thickened as similar samples were sent to other pet genetic testing companies for comparison. Orivet, based in Melbourne and Florida, and Washington-based Wisdom Panel were also on the scent. Both returned with the conclusion that the human sample lacked sufficient data or contained insufficient DNA to provide a reliable result. This stood in stark contrast to DNA My Dog’s breed breakdown.
This isn’t the first time DNA My Dog has had its accuracy put on a leash. Another case involved a pet owner’s human DNA being identified as a blend of border collie, cane corso, and bulldog. In response to these findings, DNA My Dog insisted it had detected canine DNA on one of the two cheek swabs submitted. The company stated,”The results provided would not be possible on a human sample,” as if to reassure that such a mix-up was an anomaly rather than a recurring error.
Veterinarian and bioethicist Dr. Lisa Moses from Harvard Medical School expressed concern over the implications of these incidents, stating that a reputable company should be able to distinguish between human and canine DNA without barking up the wrong tree.
The pet DNA testing market is a burgeoning industry, with projections to soar by 85% by 2030. However, these incidents serve as a reminder that not all that glitters is gold—or in this case, not all that tests is tail-wagging. As pet owners invest in understanding the lineage of their beloved companions, the expectation is that the results will be accurate and reflective of their pet’s true heritage.
Relevant articles:
– Pet DNA company identifies human as canine
– Pet DNA test identifies human sample as canine, 1News, Thu,14 Mar 2024 09:35:15 GMT
– How Trustworthy is Your Dog’s DNA Test? University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Tue,18 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT
– I-Team: How accurate are pet DNA tests? We sent one lab a swab from a human, CBS Boston, Tue,26 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT