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Pesce F, Sannino E, Ragosta E, Esposito M, Del Monaco V, D'Amore M, Uberti BD, Fusco G, De Carlo E, Miletti G. Lightning deaths in three outdoor dogs: A case study. Res Vet Sci 2024; 174:105303. [PMID: 38820706 DOI: 10.1016/j.rvsc.2024.105303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
This case report presents findings in three German Shepherd placed outdoor, dead after a night of thunderstorm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Pesce
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuela Sannino
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy.
| | - Enza Ragosta
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Mauro Esposito
- Department of Chemistry, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Veronica Del Monaco
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Marianna D'Amore
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Barbara Degli Uberti
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Giovanna Fusco
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
| | - Esterina De Carlo
- National Reference Centre for Hygiene and Technologies of Water Buffalo Farming and Productions, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Salerno, Italy
| | - Gianluca Miletti
- Department of Animal Health, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Mezzogiorno, Portici, Naples, Italy
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2
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Díaz EA, Sáenz C, Torres D, Silva A, Segnini G. Successful management of pulmonary edema secondary to accidental electrocution in a young dog. BMC Vet Res 2024; 20:145. [PMID: 38641793 PMCID: PMC11027353 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-024-03982-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human records describe pulmonary edema as a life-threatening complication of electric shock. Successful management requires prompt recognition and intensive care. However, in companion animals, electrocutions are rarely reported, even though domestic environments are full of electrical devices and there is always the possibility of accidental injury. Therefore, it is important for veterinarians to know more about this condition in order to achieve successful patient outcomes. CASE PRESENTATION A 3-month-old male Labrador Retriever was presented with a history of transient loss of consciousness after chewing on a household electrical cord. On admission, the puppy showed an orthopneic position with moderate respiratory distress. Supplemental oxygen via nasal catheter was provided, but the patient showed marked worsening of respiratory status. Point-of-care ultrasound exams suggested neurogenic pulmonary edema due to electrical shock close to the central nervous system and increased B-lines without evidence of cardiac abnormalities. Mechanical ventilation of the patient was initiated using volume-controlled mode with a tidal volume of 9 to 15 ml/kg until reaching an end-tidal carbon dioxide ≤ 40 mm Hg, followed by a stepwise lung-recruitment maneuver in pressure-controlled mode with increases of the peak inspiratory pressure (15 to 20 cm H2O) and positive end-expiratory pressure (3 to 10 cm H2O) for 30 min, and return to volume-controlled mode with a tidal volume of 15 ml/kg until reaching a peripheral oxygen saturation ≥ 96%. Weaning from the ventilator was achieved in six hours, and the patient was discharged two days after admission without neurological or respiratory deficits. CONCLUSIONS We present a rather unusual case of a neurogenic pulmonary edema subsequent to accidental electrocution in a dog. Timely diagnosis by ultrasound and mechanical ventilation settings are described. Our case highlights that pulmonary edema should be considered a potentially life-threatening complication of electrical shock in small animal emergency and critical care medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo A Díaz
- Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Colegio de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Diego de Robles s/n, 170901, Quito, Ecuador.
| | - Carolina Sáenz
- Instituto iBIOTROP, Hospital de Fauna Silvestre Tueri, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Diego de Robles s/n, 170901, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Diana Torres
- Hospital Docente de Especialidades Veterinarias, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Diego de Robles s/n, 170901, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Andrés Silva
- Hospital Docente de Especialidades Veterinarias, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Diego de Robles s/n, 170901, Quito, Ecuador
| | - Gilberto Segnini
- Hospital Docente de Especialidades Veterinarias, Universidad San Francisco de Quito USFQ, Diego de Robles s/n, 170901, Quito, Ecuador
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3
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Chen Y, Li Q, Wu W, Liu X, Cheng J, Deng X, Cai X, Yuan W, Xie J, Zhang S, Wang B. Effects of Lightning on Rhizosphere Soil Properties, Bacterial Communities, and Active Components of Camellia sinensis var. assamica. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:911226. [PMID: 35677900 PMCID: PMC9169052 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.911226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Lightning rods have been developed to prevent damage caused by lightning to organisms. However, the biological effect of the current transmitted into the soil through lightning rods is unknown. In this study, we analyzed the effects of lightning on soil properties, the microbial community, and the active components of Pu-erh tea (Camellia sinensis var. assamica) near lightning rods. The results showed that the contents of organic matter and available potassium, copper, and calcium in rhizosphere soil near the lightning rod were significantly higher than those in control soil (P < 0.05), while the contents of total potassium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, and aluminum decreased. Lightning significantly increased the bacterial diversity of Pu-erh rhizosphere soil compared to control soil samples (P < 0.05). Sphingomonas, Nitrospira, and Reyranella were significantly enriched in soil samples near the lightning rod compared to soil samples far from the lightning rod. Clusters of Orthologous Groups (COG) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses indicated that adenosine/AMP kinase, chitodextrinase, flavorubredoxin, nucleotide metabolism, and carbohydrate digestion and absorption were significantly enriched in the rhizosphere soil samples near the lightning rod compared to the control samples (P < 0.05). β diversity analysis indicated the grounding of the lightning rod contributed to the community differentiation of rhizosphere bacteria. Amino acids, polyphenols, and soluble sugar increased in Pu-erh tea near the lightning rod, while the contents of catechin and anthocyanin decreased in Pu-erh tea near the lightning rod compared with the control sample (P < 0.05). Significant correlations were found among microbial indicators, soil properties, and Pu 'er tea components. This study serves as the first report on the effects of lightning rods on soil properties, microecology, and plant metabolism, which promotes the understanding of the biological effects of lightning, and provides a reference for the rational use of lightning resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaping Chen
- College of Tea Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.,College of Plant Protection, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Organic Tea Industry Intelligent Engineering Research Center, Kunming, China
| | - Qiang Li
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wendou Wu
- Yunnan Organic Tea Industry Intelligent Engineering Research Center, Kunming, China.,College of Big Data, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory of Intelligent Organic Tea Garden Construction in Universities of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaohui Liu
- College of Tea Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jie Cheng
- College of Food and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiujuan Deng
- College of Tea Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Xiaobo Cai
- Yunnan Organic Tea Industry Intelligent Engineering Research Center, Kunming, China.,College of Big Data, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory of Intelligent Organic Tea Garden Construction in Universities of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Wenxia Yuan
- College of Tea Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Jin Xie
- College of Tea Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China
| | - Shihao Zhang
- Yunnan Organic Tea Industry Intelligent Engineering Research Center, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory of Intelligent Organic Tea Garden Construction in Universities of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
| | - Baijuan Wang
- College of Tea Science, Yunnan Agricultural University, Kunming, China.,Yunnan Organic Tea Industry Intelligent Engineering Research Center, Kunming, China.,Key Laboratory of Intelligent Organic Tea Garden Construction in Universities of Yunnan Province, Kunming, China
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4
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England SJ, Robert D. The ecology of electricity and electroreception. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:383-413. [PMID: 34643022 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Electricity, the interaction between electrically charged objects, is widely known to be fundamental to the functioning of living systems. However, this appreciation has largely been restricted to the scale of atoms, molecules, and cells. By contrast, the role of electricity at the ecological scale has historically been largely neglected, characterised by punctuated islands of research infrequently connected to one another. Recently, however, an understanding of the ubiquity of electrical forces within the natural environment has begun to grow, along with a realisation of the multitude of ecological interactions that these forces may influence. Herein, we provide the first comprehensive collation and synthesis of research in this emerging field of electric ecology. This includes assessments of the role electricity plays in the natural ecology of predator-prey interactions, pollination, and animal dispersal, among many others, as well as the impact of anthropogenic activity on these systems. A detailed introduction to the ecology and physiology of electroreception - the biological detection of ecologically relevant electric fields - is also provided. Further to this, we suggest avenues for future research that show particular promise, most notably those investigating the recently discovered sense of aerial electroreception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam J England
- School of Biological Sciences, Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, U.K
| | - Daniel Robert
- School of Biological Sciences, Life Sciences Building, University of Bristol, 24 Tyndall Avenue, Bristol, BS8 1TQ, U.K
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Fitchett JM. Perspectives on biometeorological research on the African continent. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIOMETEOROLOGY 2021; 65:133-147. [PMID: 32997273 DOI: 10.1007/s00484-020-02020-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Accepted: 09/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Since the first issue of the International Journal of Biometeorology in 1957, a total of 135 papers have reported on research in or of African countries. The majority of these have been on topics of animal biometeorology (36%), and the greatest proportion (24%) are situated in Nigeria. There has been a considerable increase in papers on African biometeorology since 2011, with those from this past decade accounting for 58% of all African papers in the journal. This occurs concurrent to an increase in the total number of papers published in the journal, driven by a move to the Editorial Manager system. While 66% of the papers on African biometeorology in the journal are authored by at least one person with an affiliation in the African continent, only 15 African countries are represented in the total authorship. As much of the African continent is projected to experience climatic changes exceeding the global mean, as much of the region is involved in animal and plant farming, and as seasonally-fluctuating and climatically affected diseases are common place, this low representation of work in Africa is surprising. This points to the need for greater awareness among African researchers of the discipline of biometeorology, greater involvement of African biometeorologists in International Society of Biometeorology and Commission meetings, and the inclusion of a greater number of African academics in the review process. This would be beneficial to the Society in increasing diversity and encouraging a more cosmopolitan engagement, and to the recognition of scientific development in African countries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Fitchett
- School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Bacci N, Augustine TN, Hunt HG, Nixon KJ, Hoffman J, Bam L, de Beer F, Randolph-Quinney P. Harnessing Thor's Hammer: Experimentally induced lightning trauma to human bone by high impulse current. Forensic Sci Int Synerg 2021; 3:100206. [PMID: 34988414 PMCID: PMC8710840 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsisyn.2021.100206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
Lightning fatality identification relies primarily on soft tissue traumatic pattern recognition, prohibiting cause of death identification in cases of full skeletonisation. This study explores the effects of high impulse currents on human bone, simulating lightning-level intensities and characterising electrically induced micro-trauma through conventional thin-section histology and micro-focus X-ray computed tomography (μXCT). An experimental system for high impulse current application was applied to bone extracted from donated cadaveric lower limbs (n = 22). μXCT was undertaken prior to and after current application. Histological sections were subsequently undertaken. μXCT poorly resolved micro-trauma compared to conventional histology which allowed for identification and classification of lightning-specific patterns of micro-trauma. Statistical analyses demonstrated correlation between current intensity, extent and damage typology suggesting a multifaceted mechanism of trauma propagation - a combination of electrically, thermally and pressure induced alterations. This study gives an overview of high impulse current trauma to human bone, providing expanded definitions of associated micro-trauma. Combination of thermal, electrical and pressure forces involved in micro-trauma. Micro-fracture sizes and numbers appeared to increase at higher current intensities. New criteria for the classification of bone micro-trauma were developed. Certain micro-fracture types predominated at higher current intensities. Light microscopy of histological section is the preferred method of investigation.
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Jamil NAM, Gomes C, Kadir Z, Gomes A. Impact of electrical stimulation on the growth of mycelium of lignosus rhinocerus (cooke) ryvarden. Electromagn Biol Med 2020; 39:356-363. [PMID: 32878496 DOI: 10.1080/15368378.2020.1812080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Corona discharge from multiple needles at an electrical potential of 5 kV generated by a Van de Graff generator increased the growth rate of the mycelium of tiger's milk mushroom by 10.3% at the end of the first eight days. A similar growth rate enhancement was observed for the next eight days as well. Mycelium of tiger's milk mushroom was cultured on agar media in Petri dish for five days prior to the exposure to various forms of electrical stimulations. The direct current injection (1.1-1.3 A) to the growing medium, application of an electric potential to the growing environment at low strength (30 V) and high strength (5 kV) with single and multiple needles showed varying degrees of success. This suggests that the mycelium of tiger's milk mushroom could positively be stimulated by specific electrical stimulation techniques with selected parameters. This will pave the way to a highly beneficial growth enhancement technique that can be up-scaled to apply in mass production of mushroom.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Azreen Mohd Jamil
- Agro-Biotechnology Institute, National Institute of Biotechnology Malaysia , Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Chandima Gomes
- School of Electrical and Information Engineering, University of the Witwatersrand , Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Zainal Kadir
- Advanced Lightning, Power and Energy Research (ALPER), Faculty of Engineering, Universiti Putra Malaysia and Institute of Power Engineering (IPE), Universiti Tenaga National , Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Ashen Gomes
- School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, KTH Royal Institute of Technology , Stockholm, Sweden
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8
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Scheijen CPJ. Inferred giraffe deaths from lightning strikes. Afr J Ecol 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/aje.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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9
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Stoff M, Baumgärtner W, Wohlsein P. [Lightning strike on a horse pasture - a diagnostic challenge?!]. Tierarztl Prax Ausg G Grosstiere Nutztiere 2020; 48:268-274. [PMID: 32823332 DOI: 10.1055/a-1216-2300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
During summer, permanent or temporary pasture keeping carries an increased risk of death caused by lightning strikes. Although - due to their body structure and pasture grazing - large animals are particularly susceptible to step voltage effects in consequence to a lightning strike to the ground there are only few published cases in the veterinary literature. Frequently in lightning-related accidents, a current flow through the heart occurs resulting in acute cardiac and circulatory failure. In the vast majority of cases, this is accompanied either by very unspecific lesions or even lacks any morphological alterations. Accordingly, the etiologic diagnosis in the absence of clear, lightning-related damage to the body represents a major diagnostic challenge. The evaluation of meteorological data as well as consideration of the pasture's location and positioning of the body when found may provide further key information in the clarification of fatalities caused by lightning strikes.This case report presents findings in a 7-year-old thoroughbred gelding found dead together with 3 other horses, all lying together in a group on the pasture. Pathological examination revealed a 2-3 mm wide line of singed, curled hair on the right front and hind limbs. Histologically, the pertaining skin areas displayed groups of elongated epithelial cells with herringbone-like elongation of the nuclei within the epidermis and the hair follicles. Coagulations of dermal proteins were present multifocally within the dermis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie Stoff
- Institut für Pathologie, Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover
| | | | - Peter Wohlsein
- Institut für Pathologie, Tierärztliche Hochschule Hannover
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10
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General Systemic States. Vet Med (Auckl) 2017. [PMCID: PMC7195945 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-7020-5246-0.00004-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Schulze C, Peters M, Baumgärtner W, Wohlsein P. Electrical Injuries in Animals: Causes, Pathogenesis, and Morphological Findings. Vet Pathol 2016; 53:1018-29. [PMID: 27106738 DOI: 10.1177/0300985816643371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Electrical injuries in animals occur most often accidentally. They comprise contact to various forms of currents, including alternating, rotary, or direct currents. Depending on various parameters of the current (including the type of circuit, voltage, current and duration of exposure) and conditions of the animal (such as wet or dry hair coat and pathway of current through the body), lesions may be absent or may include early or localized development of rigor mortis, signs of acute circulatory failure, or severe thermoelectrical burns. Such burns may present as external current marks, singed hair or feathers, metallization of the skin, or occasionally internal electroporation injury resulting in muscle necrosis, hemolysis, vascular damage with thrombosis, injury to brain and spinal cord, or skeletal fractures. Furthermore, lightning strikes occur regularly in grazing animals, which have greater risk of death from step potentials (ground current) in addition to direct strike and contact injury. Such cases may have no lesions, external signs of linear or punctate burns, keraunographic markings, or exit burns on the soles of the hooves or the coronary bands. Besides detailed information about the circumstances at the location where the animal was found, electrical injuries in animals require a thorough morphological workup, including additional investigations in conjunction with certain knowledge about the possible lesion spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Schulze
- Berlin-Brandenburg State Laboratory, Frankfurt (Oder), Germany
| | - M Peters
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Westfalen, Arnsberg, Germany
| | - W Baumgärtner
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - P Wohlsein
- Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
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Lightning related fatalities in livestock: Veterinary expertise and the added value of lightning location data. Vet J 2015; 203:103-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2014.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Revised: 10/14/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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