Using an alternate light source to detect electrically singed feathers and hair in a forensic setting

Viner, Tabitha; Kagan, Rebecca; Johnson, Jack

doi:10.1016/j.forsciint.2013.10.033

Cited by 15 publications

(12 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Common signs of electrocution included charred or melted feathers, fractured bones with burn marks, lacerations with burned skin and feathers, ruptured organs, and traumatic amputation of legs, wings, or toes (Kagan ). Equipment necessary for detecting external signs of electrocution or electric shock include a magnifying glass (Lehman et al ), dissecting microscope (Kagan ), an alternate light source (Viner et al , Kagan ), and use of infrared thermography on the skin of live birds (Melero et al ). Kagan () recommends focusing carcass examinations on the bony parts of the distal wing and on the feet and legs below the knee.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…At least 24 utilities in 9 western states have implemented these risk assessment techniques to target retrofitting actions, including investor‐owned, municipal, cooperative, and federal utilities (Harness et al , Dwyer et al ). Other examples of improvements include new necropsy techniques to increase detection of electrocution as the cause of death (Melero et al , Viner et al , Kagan ), and application of carcass surveying and documentation techniques (Lehman et al , Ponce et al ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Review and synthesis of research investigating golden eagle electrocutions

et al. 2018

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Golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) electrocution on power poles is a global conservation problem with an estimated 504 eagles electrocuted annually in North America alone. Despite widespread use of mitigation techniques to retrofit existing poles and to build new poles to avian‐friendly standards, electrocution remains a leading anthropogenic cause of death for the golden eagle. To assist electric utilities, wildlife managers, and the public in understanding eagle electrocution risk, we reviewed and synthesized risk factors and mitigation techniques from published literature from 1940 to 2016. Eagles have 8 electrocution risk factors: pole design, eagle age, morphology, land cover and topography, prey availability, season, weather, and behavior. Pole configuration was the most frequently identified electrocution risk factor and electrocution incidents were most often associated with distribution level (<69 kV) equipment poles. Age was the second most frequently identified risk factor, with juvenile eagles electrocuted at approximately twice the rate of subadults or adults. Risk was also associated with large body size, high‐quality habitat, high prey density, winter dispersal, inclement weather, and intraspecific interactions. Risk modeling based on these factors may assist electric utilities and other stakeholders in identification of high‐risk poles at the regional scale. High‐risk poles need prioritization for retrofitting by electric utilities. Compensatory mitigation funding becoming available through eagle take permitting may be useful in offsetting costs to utilities. Electrocution mitigation efforts strategized by region to target high‐risk poles could result in substantial reductions of golden eagle annual mortalities. © 2018 The Wildlife Society.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Review and synthesis of research investigating golden eagle electrocutions

et al. 2018

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“…The dark coloration of the polyester may have created a similar problem. While there are published studies investigating the impact of substrates when using ALS, these studies are limited to include substrates such as tile, concrete, wood, and fabric, which almost always is cotton [18][19][20][21]. There is very little research investigating a variety of different fabric types.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effect of Fabric Type and Laundering Conditions on the Detection of Semen Stains

CL¹

2017

IJFSC

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There has been little research into the effect of fabric type and different laundering conditions on the ability to detect semen stains on washed fabrics. This study aimed to investigate three potential factors affecting semen identification on laundered clothing: fabric type, water temperature during washing, and whether the stain was dry at the time of washing. Following laundering, semen stains on four fabric types (cotton, polyester, denim, and wool) were examined and tested with three common methods used to detect semen; screening with an alternate light source, acid phosphatase press test, and histological staining of spermatazoa. It was determined that semen was difficult to detect if it was still wet when the semen-stained article was washed. There did not appear to be any difference based on the temperature of the wash cycle. It was also determined that synthetic fabrics such as polyester may not effectively retain the components of semen during laundering, making detection more difficult.

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“…9, 10). 19 If the equipment is available, this is an extremely useful tool for identifying and documenting Figure 4. (continued) the dorsal aspect of the right elbow, there is a burn resulting in a 4-cm-long laceration.…”

Section: Other Diagnostic Toolsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Electrocution of Raptors on Power Lines

Kagan

2016

Vet Pathol

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Decades after the problem was first identified, power line electrocution continues to be a cause of avian mortality. Currently, several federal laws protect eagles and other migratory birds, meaning that utility companies may be liable for electrocutionrelated deaths. Veterinarians and veterinary pathologists called upon to diagnose and treat electrocuted birds should keep this in mind when conducting clinical and postmortem examinations. This review details necropsy findings and methods used to diagnose electrocution. A combination of gross, subgross, and radiographic examinations can aid in identification of subtle injury. Diagnosis is made based on the presence of skin and/or feather burns. Other necropsy findings may include skin lacerations, subcutaneous burns, bruising, limb avulsion, hemopericardium, and vascular rupture. At the US Fish and Wildlife Service's National Forensics Laboratory, from 2000 to 2015, 417 raptor deaths were determined to have been caused by electrocution. Bald eagles and golden eagles were the most commonly submitted species. In a retrospective review of 377 cases, for which whole bodies were submitted, 18% of the electrocuted birds had only a single, small (less than 3 cm in diameter) external burn. Small, isolated burns tended to occur on the undersides of the wings at and distal to the elbow and on the lower legs and feet. These areas should be most carefully examined in cases where electrocution injury is not immediately apparent.

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Using an alternate light source to detect electrically singed feathers and hair in a forensic setting

Cited by 15 publications

References 11 publications

Review and synthesis of research investigating golden eagle electrocutions

Review and synthesis of research investigating golden eagle electrocutions

The Effect of Fabric Type and Laundering Conditions on the Detection of Semen Stains

Electrocution of Raptors on Power Lines

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