Deaths in animal attacks: A 10-year retrospective forensic analysis of direct and indirect causes

Animal attacks are a serious public health concern, resulting in fatalities through both direct and indirect mechanisms. This study aimed to analyze demographic characteristics, circumstances, and preventive measures related to fatal animal attacks in Türkiye. A retrospective analysis of 123 fatal animal attacks was conducted using data from 64,666 forensic reports archived by the Council of Forensic Medicine (2014-2023). Victims were predominantly male (72.4%), incidents mostly occurred in rural areas (74.8%), and nearly half (49.6%) took place during summer months. Fatalities were categorized as direct-acute, direct-delayed, indirect-traumatic, and indirect-nontraumatic. Direct fatalities primarily occurred due to venomous animal bites or stings and traumatic injuries caused by mammals. Direct-delayed fatalities included conditions such as rabies, sepsis, and Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. Indirect fatalities, occurring without animal contact, included traffic collisions (12.2%), cardiac events (7.3%), and falls (5.7%) triggered by animal encounters. The analysis revealed that direct fatalities occurred more frequently in rural areas, while indirect fatalities were predominantly observed in urban centers. In urban areas, indirect fatalities were linked to uncontrolled dog populations and irresponsible pet ownership, highlighting the importance of desexing programs and community education. Effective management in urban areas requires responsible pet ownership, community education, enhanced medical infrastructure, and traffic safety measures. In rural areas, securing livestock enclosures, venomous animal awareness, and improved emergency care access are essential. Comprehensive strategies integrating education, responsible animal management, improved infrastructure, and rapid medical responses are essential to prevent animal-related fatalities.