Livestock-related injuries in the Midland region of New Zealand
Tosswill, M.; Roskruge, M.; Smith, A.; Christey, G.
New Zealand Medical Journal 131(1483): 13-20
2018
ISSN/ISBN: 1175-8716 PMID: 30286061 Document Number: 697357
To assess the incidence and patterns of injury resulting from force transferred from large livestock in the Midland Region of New Zealand, and to identify foci for prevention. Data was sourced from the Midland Trauma System Registry. Patients admitted to Midland hospitals from 2012 to 2015 were evaluated. Data included patient demography, location, mechanism, and time of the injury, type of animals involved, injuries sustained, interventions, outcomes and hospital costs. The final sample included 168 injury events. 75.6% were due to interactions with cattle. The remainder were from sheep, pigs and deer. Most of the injuries were either 'hit', 'crush' or 'kick' injuries. Moving and loading stock resulted in 38% of the injuries, and 29% occurred near fences, gates or poles. Cattle-related injuries peaked during September and October. Sheep-related injuries peaked in December. These months correspond to calving season in cows and shearing season in sheep. Injury peaks were observed in the 20-29 and 50-59 age groups. This study has identified high-risk animals, activities, age intervals and times during which large livestock-related injuries may occur, and revealed the significant impact on hospitals and communities that these injuries result in.