Reminder to take care using dosing guns to prevent animal injury

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine reminds farmers and all those working with animals to be aware of the risk of serious injury and even death of animals from dosing guns when used incorrectly.

As cattle are turned out to grass, please be aware of the risk of serious injury to them from dosing guns, particularly when administering boluses.

Injuries to the mouth, throat, and oesophagus can occur when incorrect equipment is used or when animals are not properly restrained.

The department’s Regional Veterinary Laboratories are seeing an increase in cases linked to improper bolus size and the use of unsuitable dosing guns.

Similar risks are also identified every year, in ewes and lambs. Incorrect use of dosing guns—especially in young lambs—has been associated with traumatic oesophageal injuries, cellulitis, and fatal complications (septicaemia/bacteriaemia, fatal bleeding).

Careful restraint and properly sized equipment are just as essential in sheep as in cattle.

There have also been several recent cases of serious traumatic lesions in lambs linked to the use of intraruminal tags. These tags are rectangular and significantly larger than typical mineral boluses and have been associated with tissue damage and fatal outcomes when used inappropriately.

To protect your animals:

• use the correct bolus size for the animal’s weight and age
• always use the matching dosing gun supplied with the product
• restrain animals properly to avoid sudden head movements
• do not force boluses or use excessive pressure. Be gentle!
• if in doubt, seek veterinary advice

Taking a few extra minutes to use the right tools can prevent long-term damage or distress to your animals—and avoid costly treatment or losses.

Keep your animals safe this season and dose with care.