Working with large animals poses a risk to farm workers. No matter how tame your animals are, their size and weight can make them dangerous and the feeling of being safe in their presence may leave you off guard. Injuries usually occur when the person does not expect it, and all animals should be considered unpredictable. A lack of knowledge of animal behavior could also put a handler into a dangerous situation.

Thousands of animal related injuries occur each year, some even resulting in death. Some of the most common injuries include being stepped on by large animals, being knocked down, kicked, thrown while riding, or pinned between the animal and a hard surface. Many injuries also occur each year from bites.

Below are safety topics that pertain to livestock. When working with animals, always follow the established UVM procedures and protocols of the farm or program you are working under. This may include standard operating procedures (SOPs), IACUC protocols, CREAM, EQUUS, Farmer Training Program, or other program manuals, or rules set by your instructor or supervisor.  

Behavior

  • Most livestock-related injuries are caused by startled animals. Many things can frighten livestock such as lighting, shadows, strange people or animals, unfamiliar odors, and loud noises. A frightened cow or horse will run right over you if you are in their way.
  • Cattle and horses have a very wide angle of vision, but cannot see directly behind them. Moving into this “blind spot” can cause them to become uneasy.
  • Livestock respond well to routines. To reduce skittish behavior, establish a routine for them to follow, such as feeding them at the same time every day.
  • No matter how tame your animals are, they still have territorial instincts. Livestock can be very protective of their area and of younger animals. They have strong maternal traits and will stand their ground when they are not accustomed to their surroundings.
  • Use extreme caution when working with bulls or stallions, as they can sometimes be very territorial and aggressive.
  • Be aware of body language cues for the species that you work with. Aggressive behavior is a sign that you should give the animal more space. (*give examples?*)

Handling

  • Be aware of the “kick zone” for the species you work with and avoid it as best you can
  • Always move slowly and calmly around livestock and avoid moving into their blind spots. Talking softly to them will announce your presence and reduce skittish behavior.
  • Before entering animal areas, it is best to have a plan of action and identify your escape route should you need one. Know what you need to do, how you will do it, and what are possible scenarios that could happen.  Never back yourself into a corner while working directly with a large animal.
  • Many injuries also come from poor facilities and equipment. Slip-resistant flooring, correct drainage, sturdy fencing, eradicating sharp objects, and adequate lighting are important to reducing this risk. Keeping equipment and facilities in good working order is a key part of handling livestock safely.
  • Take extra care when using needles or other sharps on the farm. Know the hazards of any medications you are giving to the animals in case of accidental exposure to yourself or another worker. (link to needlestick prevention poster?)

Zoonotic Disease

  • Zoonoses are diseases that can be transmitted between humans and animals. Be aware of the potential zoonotic diseases for the species that you are working with, and take precautions to avoid transmission. Always wear disposable gloves when working with sick or injured animals.
  • Zoonotic disease can also be spread by wild animals, birds, or insects that are present on the farm
  • Regular, frequent hand washing is the most important and effective way to prevent transmission of most common farm zoonoses. Also keeping human food & drink away from animal areas, practicing proper sanitation, good biosecurity practices, and a pest control program will help reduce the likelihood of disease on the farm.
  • Specific information on common zoonoses can be found on the Healthy Farms - Healthy Agriculture page.

Farm Visitors

If animals and visitors will come into contact on your farm, make sure that you keep the animals clean, monitor them daily for health problems, make sure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations, and keep good health records on them.

  • Decide on the level of contact between guests and animals and reinforce guidelines with appropriate signage.
  • Be sure that animals are properly contained or secured.
  • Remove manure and replace animal bedding daily.
  • Clean and sanitize fencing/rails and other surfaces exposed to visitors daily.
  • Leave large animals in their enclosure at all times.
  • If visitors have come from another farm, provide them with booties or a disinfecting shoe wash.
  • Provide a straightforward way for visitors to inform you if they are bitten or scratched by an animal. Have them fill out your incident report form.
  • Inform visitors (visually and verbally) about animal behavior, and ask them to wash their hands after touching animals.
  • Make sure that food and drink is prohibited in the animal areas and that the eating/ drinking area is well separated from animals.
  • Closely supervise all visitors’ interactions with animals.

Emergency Preparedness

Disaster preparedness is important for all farms, but emergencies that also involve livestock can be particularly difficult because of the animals' size and the requirements needed to shelter and transport them. Having an emergency response plan can save valuable time during an emergency situation.