MTI
Sunday, March 7, 2021, 11:00 am
Bees are the most poisonous animal in Australia, according to a study by the Australian Institute for Health and Welfare (AIHW).
A report released on Wednesday by the institute’s National Injury Control Unit found that Australians are twice as likely to be hospitalized for stings by bees or wasps than by any other animal bite, even though Australia is home to some of the most dangerous snakes, spiders and marine creatures in the world. More than 3,500 Australians were hospitalized for encountering a poisonous animal or plant species in 2017-2018. In 26 percent of cases – that’s 927 people – hospital care was required for a bee sting. Spiders were responsible for 19 percent of cases (666 people) and snakes in 17 percent. During the mentioned period, 19 people died from poisonous animals: 12 died from bee and wasp stings and seven from snake bites.
Professor James Harrison, one of the study’s co-authors, said their findings should be taken as a warning and Australians should be aware of the dangers of developing allergies.
Not many people take into account the fact that bees are also part of the picture
Notice your specialist.
Australia is home to 20 of the 25 most venomous snakes in the world, as well as the most deadly venomous spiders. Red-backed spiders were responsible for more than 40 percent of spider bites requiring medical attention, while brown vipers were responsible for 36 percent of snakebites.
Cover photo: Getty Images
