![]() This may not always be the case in animals. In human beings the effects post a lightning strike are usually evident from the history of the case or from the physical surroundings. "When the feet of an animal are separated in the direction of increasing potential, a partial current may pass through the body in contact with the ground align in the direction of potential gradient developed due to the injection of current into the Earth from a nearby lightning strike". 1 Step potential is the most common lightning injury amongst animals. 1 Touch potential is where a partial current may pass through the body of an animal if part of the animals body comes into contact with higher elevation of a lightning struck object while the other parts of the animal remain in contact with ground. 1 Side flashes are where animals underneath a large tree or pole receive a side flash if the tree is hit by lightning. A direct strike is where enormous quantities of energy pass through the body very quickly causing resultant burns, organ damage and damage to the flesh and bones. Mechanisms of lightning strike injury include a direct strike, side flashes, step potential and touch potential. 8/9 Wildlife such as elephants, giraffes and deer have also been found dead near trees and open water sources following electrical storms. 5/6 Pigs have been found dead, paralysed and with broken bones. 6 Two cases of ocular lesions have been described in cattle and horses. Vestibular disease and other neurological conditions have been described as a common sequel in horses. In livestock, cases have been reported in swine, cattle, horses and sheep. The permanent or temporary damage that ensues from a lightning strike, depends, among other factors, on the mechanism of interaction (described below) through which the body is exposed to a lightning strike and the path and the strength of the electric current passing through the body. Human cases of lightning strike have been described both from a medical and engineering perspective. Many of the reports of lightning strike events are mentioned in popular media are compiled by authors of a non-scientific background, with the facts distorted to enhance audience's attention. Peer-reviewed scientific literature in relation to animals and lightning strikes is scarce. Unchewed food was also found on examination of the oral cavity. Confirmatory samples via an impression blood smear and a piece of ear were taken and sent to EMAI for verification.Įvidence of singe marks were observed towards the lateral aspect of the right hock. ![]() The day before there were storms in the area.Īnthrax, suspected because blood exuded from the orifices and decomposition was rapid, was ruled out using an ICT field test. Both animals died within a few meters from one another and were located close to a creek bed. The animal was described as having blood emanating from its nostrils, eyes and anus. In early September a landholder from the Young area called to inquire about sudden deaths in 2 steers out of a mob of 140. The following case report aims to further the reader's knowledge in the topic of lightning strike in production animals. Over the course of 2 months in September, and October 2014, 2 separate cases of lightning strike were reported and investigated in the Young area. 1 Lightning strike is viewed as a relatively uncommon cause of trauma in domesticated animals, however heavy mortalities can occur where a number of animals have congregated near a tree or water source. 2 Elsewhere, since 1943, there have been 22 reported incidents involving animals and lightning strike events. 1Ī case of presumed lightning strike has been described in the Central West region. Animals that have a large separation between their front and back legs (such as cattle) are vulnerable to receive lightning strike injuries due to the dangerous potential differences that built up between those feet during lightning strike events. Animals are particularly vulnerable as they are usually placed outside during severe storm events. LIGHTNING STRIKE IN THE RIVERINA Rahul Shankar and Elizabeth Braddon, Riverina LLS, Young Posted Flock & Herd March 2015 INTRODUCTIONĮvery year thousands of animals worldwide succumb to lightning injuries.
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