Senior inspector for agriculture safety with the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) Pat Griffin has warned farmers: “There’s no such thing as a quiet cow.”

The HSA inspector has urged farmers to take “extra precautions” on their farms as they enter the busy farming season.

He said: “Any cow can attack and a cow around calving time is one of the most dangerous animals you could deal with on a farm.”

Continuing, Griffin said: “The mother is extra protective and can launch an attack in a split second if she thinks her calf is threatened or being taken away.”

The senior inspector warned farmers: “Always keep a strong, secure gate or barrier between you and the cow when handling or removing the new-born calf.”

Concluding, Griffin noted: “Fatigue may also be a risk factor which may impair good judgement at calving time.

“Farmers should consider getting help and always carry a charged mobile with the first number being someone who can come to help.”