Investigation into Seasonal Scavenging Patterns of Raccoons on Human Decomposition,

Although raccoons are known as one of the most common scavengers in the U.S., scavenging by these animals has seldom been studied in terms of forensic significance. In this research, the seasonal pattern of raccoon scavenging and its effect on human decomposition was investigated using 178 human cadavers placed at the Anthropological Research Facility (ARF) of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) between February 2011 and December 2013. The results reveal that (i) the frequency of scavenging increases during summer, (ii) scavenging occurs relatively immediately and lasts shorter in summer months, and (iii) scavenging influences the decomposition process by hollowing limbs and by disturbing insect activities, both of which eventually increases the chance of mummification on the affected body. This information is expected to help forensic investigators identify raccoon scavenging as well as make a more precise interpretation of the effect of raccoon scavenging on bodies at crime scenes.     

小熊猫等四种动物犬瘟热病毒的分离与鉴定

对犬、貂、貉、狐、熊、小熊猫、大熊猫、狼、狮、虎、金猫和猞猁共６５只动物的病料进行了犬瘟热病毒（ＣＤＶ）分离，结果从小熊猫、犬、貉和狐四种动物的病料中分离出９株ＣＤＶ，其中小熊猫ＣＤＶ具有较强诱导产生中和抗体的能力。该毒株有可能成为疫苗后备株。