Electrocution caused by a fallen electric wire in Korean native cattles

Bae, You-Chan; Lee, Kyung-Hyun; Yoon, Soon-Seek; Heo, Jung-Ho; Lee, O-Soo

Korean Journal of Veterinary Research 2008;48(2):219-221.

You-Chan Bae¹, Kyung-Hyun Lee¹, Soon-Seek Yoon¹, Jung-Ho Heo², O-Soo Lee¹

¹National Veterinary Research and Quarantine Service
²Gyeongnam Livestock Promotion Institute South-branch

Abstract

We report the electrocution of Korean native cattle by a fallen electric wire, which caused the death of thirteen animals. The owner of the cattle felt an electric shock on touching the steel pen and found a fallen 220-V wire on the roof of the barn; additionally, the roof was singed. Clinically, the animals developed spasm, difficulty breathing, and excessive salivation. Histopathologically, many visceral organs revealed severe congestion or hemorrhage, which is consistent with previous reports. This study revealed that the proper installation of electric wires on farms is essential to prevent economic loss by electrocution.

Key Words: cattle, electric wire, electrocution, histopathology