Cattle have become the deadliest large animal in Britain, according to figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Statistics reveal that cattle have been responsible for 74 deaths over the past 15 years, including 56 farm workers and 18 walkers. All but one of the walkers killed by cows were walking dogs, it was revealed.

Cows have overtaken dogs as the most lethal large animal in the country. HSE's agricultural committee, which compiled the figures, said that as 70% of cattle-related deaths involved either a bull or newly calved cow, greater caution should be taken around these animals. The committee also advised against keeping cattle in fields where there is a public footpath.

Meanwhile, recently published HSE statistics have shown agriculture’s health and safety record still needs to improve.

An overview of work related injuries, illnesses and fatalities in 2014/15 showed that agriculture (alongside forestry, construction, fishing and some other high-risk occupations) still has a high rate of workplace injury compared to other sectors.

Overall, workplace fatalities rose last year compared to the previous year, but were below the five year average. 142 people were killed in fatal accidents at work in 2014/15, the figures show; of these 33 deaths occurred in the agriculture sector, the second most of any sector save for construction (and a much higher toll proportionally, as the construction industry is much larger).