A swarm of Africanized “killer” bees has
killed three Mastiff dogs in California after the
hive was disturbed by a falling branch. The dogs'
owner managed to escape.
The Mastiff dogs - a female weighing 100
pounds, a male weighing 90 pounds and a puppy - are
believed to have been in a fenced-in backyard when
the incident happened. The hive was living inside a
stucco fence when a tree branch feel onto it after
high winds. The owner, whose name has not been
disclosed, attempted to save the dogs but was
attacked and had to escape by going inside their
house.
A city spokesman for San Bernardino County Vector Control
confirmed that the samples were from Africanized
honey bees. About 90% of the bees in San Bernardino County desert areas are now
thought to be Africanized honey bees. Officials
pointed out that attacks such as this are very rare,
and no humans have ever been killed in San Bernardino County.
However, would this have been the case had the dogs'
owner not managed to escape?
Officials pointed out that attacks such as this are
very rare, and no humans have ever been killed in San Bernardino County.
Africanized honey bees tend to start stinging more easily and in greater numbers than other types of bees. They were bred in the 1950s to produce a calmer bee that produced more
honey - a program that obviously failed to work. With each season Africanized bees make up a larger proportion of the local bee population. San Bernardino County Vector Control
recommends that if you find bees on your property,
you should call a pest control company and have them
killed.
The American Kennel Club recommends that should you see your dog disturb a hive or swarm of wasps or bees, call the dog to you and run, or, if necessary, pick up your dog and carry it away.
And should your dog suffer from multiple bee stings,
the AKC recommends giving antihistamines to your dog right away.
Your vet can provide a supply of antihistamines for
your dog first aid kit, and advise you on dosage and
administration. You should then take your dog to the closest veterinarian. Treatment for massive stings usually involves intravenous catheterization, the administration of fluids, giving of corticosteroids and monitoring of vital signs.
