Medico-Legal Implications of Traumatic Fatalities Related to Animal Husbandry

Blunt or penetrating lesions and crush asphyxia resulting from attacks by large animals, and poisoning by or an anaphylactic reaction to hymenoptera stings, are a significant cause of death in agricultural occupations. Medico-legal investigations should accurately evaluate the scene of death, the related circumstances and the autopsy evidence in order to reconstruct the dynamics of the fatal event, to confirm that the attack was accidental and to exclude a hypothesis of suicide or homicide. Agricultural workers should be educated about the potential risks involved in animal husbandry and need appropriate training on preventive measures and safety procedures.