OVER one out of every five fatal farm accidents over the past 10-years involved livestock, according to a recent Teagasc report.

Cattle, bulls and cows with calves or at calving, accounted for the deaths and Teagasc have reported a disturbing trend in the increase of livestock related deaths.

In the latest edition of the Teagasc Today’s Farm magazine, Health and Safety Specialist, John  McNamara and Martina Harrington, Manager of the Teagasc Future Beef Programme, highlight the potential dangers when dealing with livestock.

Over the past 10-years in Ireland, 11, or 34%, of the livestock related fatalities were associated with bull attacks.

“The well-known saying that never trust a bull is absolutely true. Research by the Health and Safety Authority [HSA] indicates that a bull of any breed can kill. Never turn your back on a bull,” the Teagasc article advises.

They also advise farmers to have a chain fitted to the bull’s nose ring while warning signs should also be placed at entrances to fields where there is a bull.

“Bulls are habitual animals and should never be isolated from other livestock either at pasture or when housed, Give consideration to the winter housing of bulls.

“A bull pen should allow the bull to see the herd and have adequate space. Never enter a pen with a loose bull – and have a headgate installed where the bull can be restrained if the pen has to be entered. Cull animals showing aggressive signs,” the two Teagasc experts advise.

In relation to cow attacks around calving time – which account for 25% of all animal related deaths over the past 10-years – John McNamara and Martina Harrington, related the ‘close-range impact’ of a cow attack:

“A surgeon who has treated cow-attacked farmers has described the injuries as like being struck by a juggernaut.”

Teagasc recommend having a robust physical barrier in place between the farmer and the cow when treating or handling her calf.

“Excellent calving gates are available for calving. It is important that the cow can be restrained before entering a pen,” they advise.

Teagasc also advises suckler farmers to consider the culling of fractious cows and the development of a breeding policy aimed at producing more docile stock.

The Teagasc experts also point to the findings of renowned UK expert in animal behaviour – Miriam Parker – who stresses the importance of remaining ‘cool, calm and collected’ when dealing with cattle.

Ms. Parker has pointed out that cattle have 330° panoramic vision but poor depth vision and are very sensitive to movement and the contrast between light and darkness.

■ The article entitled, ‘Fatal accidents involving livestock rise 7% nationwide’ – written by John McNamara and Martina Harrington – can be read in full in the July August edition of Today’s Farm.