Farmers beware: CDC report says cows can be fatal

Farmers beware: A government report says cattle cause 20 deaths a year on average on U.S. farms.

Most involve working with cattle in enclosed areas or moving and herding the animals. Older farmers are most at risk.

The report comes from the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is based on data from 2003 to 2008.

The CDC focused on cattle-related deaths in four states -- Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. But cattle pose a danger in Illinois too. According to the Illinois Farm Bureau, Illinois has nearly 20,000 beef cattle farms and more than 1,200 dairy farms.

The CDC says farmers should improve livestock-handling facilities to prevent close contact, and take precautions when working with cattle, especially cattle that have been aggressive in the past.