A review on clinical management and rural risk factors of honey bee sting

Honey bees are typically non-aggressive, but when threatened, they act as a highly coordinated defence force. The biological basis of bee aggression, evaluation of the vulnerability of small ruminants to such attacks and practical measures to prevent similar episodes are necessary to discuss. Bees play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance through pollination, their defensive behaviour can pose serious risks when provoked. Aggressive behaviour of honey bee is more pronounced during warm weather and blooming seasons, when hive activity is at its highest. Surprising and alarming incident occurred near Amreli, Gujarat, India where a swarm of honey bees attacked a flock of grazing sheep and goats. The incident has brought renewed attention to the need for coexistence between wildlife and livestock in rural India. Various species of honey bees can be seen in India such as Apis mellifera ligustica, Apis cerana and Apis dorsata etc. Hypersensitivity reactions, visible stingers, haematological and biochemical parameters are used for diagnosis following honey bee sting. Various types of treatments such as epinephrine injection, NSAIDs etc. can be used for honey bee stings. Prevention and care for honey bee sting by avoiding bee habitats, wear protective clothing etc. are necessary. USDA gave the guidelines on coexisting with bees. In conclusion, Human should aim to understand and respect presence of honey bees and improve coexistence. There should be more research work to understand honey bee behaviour and sting effects on animal as well as human body.