Important advice to pregnant women during lambing season

The first lambs appearing in the fields is a sign that spring is on its way, so the Public Health Agency (PHA) is reminding pregnant women about the risk of close contact with sheep during lambing season.

Pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep during lambing may be risking their own health and that of their unborn child from infections that can be transferred from ewes. It is also important to note that cows and goats which have recently given birth can also carry similar infections.

The PHA is advising women who are, or think they may be pregnant, to reduce their risk of miscarriage and infection by avoiding close contact with sheep during lambing season, which runs until approximately April.

Dr Maureen McCartney, Consultant in Public Health at the PHA, said: “The number of reports of these infections and human miscarriages resulting from contact with sheep is extremely small, however, it is important that pregnant women are aware of the potential risks associated with close contact with sheep during lambing.”

To avoid the possible risk of infection, pregnant women are advised that they should:

• not help to lamb or milk ewes;
• avoid contact with aborted or new-born lambs and with the afterbirth, birthing fluids or materials (e.g. bedding) contaminated by birth fluids;
• avoid handling clothing, boots etc which have come into contact with ewes or lambs.

Pregnant women should seek medical advice if they experience fever or influenza-like symptoms, or if they are concerned that they could have acquired infection from a farm environment.