Farm worker injuries associated with bulls. New York State 1991-1996

1. Although cows greatly outnumber bulls on dairy farms, bulls account for 25% of animal related injuries in a surveillance study of agricultural injury. In addition, bull injuries are more severe. 2. Because of their size and unpredictable behavior, bulls, especially those over 18 months of age, must be handled with extreme caution. 3. Important risk factors for the observed incidents were working alone and not having an escape route. 4. Bulls should be dehorned and confined in specially designed facilities to avoid human contact during feeding, watering, exercising, or breeding.