Honey Bee Sting (Apis dorsata): Management, Treatment and Prevention in Domestic Bovines

This case study details the clinical management of a severe honeybee (Apis dorsata) attack on an eight-year-old Holstein Friesian crossbred cow at the Bargur Cattle Research Station, Tamil Nadu. The giant rock bee (Apis dorsata), is highly defensive and delivers venomous stings capable of inducing severe toxic and allergic reactions in animals. The incident occurred when a disturbed beehive triggered an aggressive swarm attack on a tethered cow. The animal sustained multiple stings and exhibited clinical signs including hyperthermia, tachycardia, tachypnoea, agitation and multiple cutaneous swelling (urticarial plaques) surrounding the several body parts, especially in head, neck and lateral side of the abdomen. Haematological analysis revealed hallmark signs of haemolytic anaemia: decreased haemoglobin concentration, packed cell volume (PCV), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), along with elevated platelet counts and decreased white blood cells (WBC). Emergency treatment included mechanical removal of stingers, followed by administration of Atropine Sulphate, Chlorpheniramine Maleate (an antihistamine), and a broad-spectrum antibiotic combination of Strepto-Penicillin S with fluid therapy. This therapeutic approach targeted the toxic, allergic, and potential secondary bacterial complications associated with bee venom. The cow showed a positive response to treatment, with full clinical recovery observed. This case underscores the critical importance of prompt diagnosis and intervention in managing Apis dorsata envenomation. The potent haemolytic and inflammatory effects of its venom necessitate heightened awareness and rapid veterinary response to mitigate morbidity and mortality in affected livestock.