Africanized Honeybee Hive Blamed for Fatal Horse Stings in Comanche

Comanche, Texas - A horrific scene unfolded when three horses were attacked and killed.

Heartbreaking Loss: Horses Killed by Suspected Africanized Bees

On Friday, May 9th, the Comanche Volunteer Fire Department arrived at a farm located on FM 590 just outside the city limits of Comanche to a heartbreaking scene involving three beloved horses, and what experts believe was a hive of Africanized honeybees. Despite all efforts from the owners, the fire department, and veterinarian staff the horses did not survive their injuries.

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Owners Stung Trying to Save Their Beloved Animals

The horse owners tried to remove the horses from the area that the bees were occupying, and in doing so the owners were stung numerous times themselves. When the EMTs arrived on the scene they immediately took the owners into the ambulance to provide care and treat their wounds.

Firefighters' Valiant Effort to Rescue Stung Horses

The Comanche VFD and one of the horse owners donned bee suits in order to move the horses, and the firefighters sprayed a water and soap solution onto the horses with the hopes that it would deter the bees from stinging the horses any further. Unfortunately, by the time the horses were clear of the bees they had already suffered from hundreds of stings to their bodies, mouths, eyes, and nostrils.

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Fatal Outcome: Bee Venom Overwhelms Horses Despite Vet Care

Despite the efforts of the veterinarian staff all three horses died as a result of the bee venom which resulted in organ failure. The Africanized honeybee attacks are known to be lethal to horses as a result of the full swarm attack delivering a high number of stings that result in a shutdown of the liver, lungs and kidneys.

Keep Your Head on a Swivel

Experts say to be vigilant while enjoying the outdoors as the warm weather and abundant rains increase the activity of the bee population.