Maybe it’s because UK residents are walkers and that laws permit walkers and their dogs to traverse nearly any open field. But reports out of the country warn against walking near cows for fear of being trampled.

 That’s right – cows. Not bulls, as one might suspect, but cows have killed four people in the UK since June of this year and prompted Britain’s National Farmers Union (NFU) to issue warnings to the public. Cows with calves are especially nervous, says the warning, and the presence of a walker with a dog could provoke a charge. A number of people in the UK have been attacked, but have survived. In the past eight years, the UK has registered 18 deaths as a result of cattle, including bulls.

 Perhaps the threat in this country is a little less prominent. With the difference in laws, most walkers would not think to cross through a fenced field. However, there are instances where children, adults looking for lost animals, or hikers could find themselves in your fields facing your cows. And in most cases, cows are docile and will not attack. But add calves and a heightened sense of protection to the mix and cows become as unpredictable as their male counterparts.

 How big a threat is a charging cow to your visitors, neighbors, or passersby? Big enough that you should warn outsiders of the potential dangers. While neighbors may understand the protective nature of cattle, many others do not see a docile cow as any kind of threat. To prevent any harm to people and any litigation as a result of an attack, post signs on fences warning of the potential for agitation and attack. While it may seem silly, the danger of an animal protecting its young is a very real danger. Talk with your insurance broker. If your broker specializes in agriculture insurance like we do, he or she may have risk reduction plans that can cover this unexpected risk.

Flickr photo credit: upturnedface

Filed under: Agribusiness by afis blogger