DOI: https://doi.org/10.5513/JCEA01/27.2.5279
Original scientific paper
Analysis of fatal bull attacks on humans in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina
2026, 27 (2) p. 318-325
Antun KOSTELIĆ, Petar ŠKAVIĆ, Gordan ŠUBARA, Muhamed BRKA, Monica DARRER, Ivana PEJAKIĆ CVITAK
Abstract
Every year, around the world, fatalities occur as a result of bull (Bos taurus) attacks on humans. Farmers, zootechnicians, and veterinarians are most frequently exposed to such attacks, as well as accidental passersby such as hikers and walkers. A particular group consists of people who participate in rodeos and bullfighting events. Due to similar breeding conditions and purposes of bulls, the aim of this study was, to analyze fatal bull attacks on humans in Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Data on attacks were collected based on police reports and from publicly available sources or open media source. The study included the age and sex of the victims, the location of the attack, the breed, purpose, and housing method of the bulls, the cause and manner of the attack, and autopsy findings. It was determined that out of 11 cases, 9 fatalities involved men and 2 involved women. The victims’ ages ranged from 42 to 77 years. Most attacks were caused by bulls kept on pasture. Breed did not influence the bulls' aggressiveness. The cause of the attack cannot always be determined; in our study, attacks were both provoked and unprovoked. Bulls are potentially equally aggressive regardless of their purpose. Autopsies of victims are not conducted regularly, nor is there systematic record-keeping of farm animal attacks by veterinary inspection authorities. Our research found that horned and polled (hornless) bulls are equally dangerous to humans. In the long term, detailed records of farm animal attacks on humans should be maintained. To prevent bull attacks, continuous education of people who work with or come into contact with bulls is necessary. The risk of attack can be reduced by using appropriate farm equipment, applying artificial insemination, and selecting breeding bulls based on temperament.
Keywords
bull, humans, fatal attack, causes
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