Cattle associated trauma--a one year prospective study of all injuries.

AIM: To prospectively study all types and frequency of injuries resulting from direct contact with cattle in an occupational setting.

METHODS

Prospective evaluation of all injuries due to direct contact with cattle presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) of a rural District General Hospital over a one year period.

RESULTS

Injuries related to cattle were a common reason for presentation to the ED. Some clear patterns of injury were noted. Injuries to the upper extremity were particularly common, especially the hand and wrist and were associated with particular activities and mechanisms. Truncal injuries were less common but do have the potential for serious morbidity and mortality as noted in previous studies.

CONCLUSIONS

Injuries related to direct contact with cattle are common. We noted an as yet unreported common pattern of injury to the hands of workers kicked whilst handling cattle at milking time. We also noted the previously recognized potential for serious injury due to more proximal body trauma whilst working with large animals. Whilst there is some work available pertaining to injury prevention in this industry, our study demonstrates a need for further work to be done to minimize and prevent future injuries.