Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 12, 2026
05:36
Standardized Model of Ventricular Fibrillation and Advanced Cardiac Life Support in Swine
Published on: January 30, 2020
[Deaths in swine by a lightning strike in the sty]
1Tierärztlichen Ambulanz Schwarzenbek, Fachbereich Veterinärmedizin der Freien Universität Berlin.
DTW. Deutsche Tierarztliche Wochenschrift
|May 1, 1991
Summary
Eleven pigs died suddenly during a thunderstorm due to a lightning strike in their barn. The animals were housed on metal slats with metal pen dividers, potentially facilitating electrical conduction.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Pathology
- Agricultural Safety
Context:
- Sudden death in livestock during severe weather events.
- Electrical hazards in animal housing facilities.
Purpose:
- To document and describe the pathological findings in pigs deceased from a suspected lightning strike.
- To investigate the potential role of housing infrastructure in livestock electrocution.
Summary:
- Eleven clinically healthy pigs (approx. 22 kg) died simultaneously in a barn during a thunderstorm.
- The pigs were housed on metal slats with metal pen dividers, and a water pipe connected to the bars may have facilitated electrical conduction.
- Macroscopic and microscopic necropsy findings were documented for two pigs.
Impact:
- Highlights the risk of lightning-related electrocution in livestock, particularly in facilities with conductive materials.
- Informs biosecurity and farm infrastructure design to mitigate electrical hazards for animal welfare.
