The Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine (DAFM) is reminding farmers and all those working with animals to be aware of the risks of serious injury and even death of animals from not using dosing guns correctly.

With cattle out on grass, DAFM is urging farmers to be aware of the risk of serious injury to them from dosing guns, particularly when administering boluses.

According to DAFM, 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 relation to ewes and lambs. Incorrect use of dosing guns - especially on young lambs - has been associated with traumatic oesophageal injuries, DAFM stress.

Some associated illnesses include cellulitis, septicaemia/bacteriaemia, and complications such as fatal bleeding.

DAFM highlights that careful restraint and properly sized equipment are just as essential for treating sheep as for cattle.

There have also been several recent cases of serious traumatic lesions in lambs linked to the use of intraruminal tags, according to the Department.

These tags are rectangular and significantly larger than typical mineral boluses. They have been associated with tissue damage and fatal outcomes when used inappropriately.

To protect your animals DAFM are advising farmers to:

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;
If in doubt, seek veterinary advice.

DAFM said: "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."