Pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep or cows during lambing and calving are advised that they may risk their own health and that of their unborn child from infections that such animals can carry.
The annual advice comes from both the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Health and Safety Executive NI (HSENI).
Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, said that although reports of these infections are extremely rare, it is important that pregnant women are aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions.
“It is also important to note that these risks are not confined to the spring, when the majority of lambs are born, and the risks are not associated only with sheep: cows and goats that have recently given birth can also carry similar infections.”
To minimise the risk of infection, pregnant women should:
- Not help ewes to lamb, or provide assistance to a cow that is calving or a nanny goat that is kidding.
- Avoid contact with aborted or new-born lambs, calves or kids or with the afterbirth, birthing fluids or materials (e.g. bedding) contaminated by such birth products.
- Avoid handling (including washing) clothing, boots or any materials that may have come into contact with animals that have recently given birth, their young or afterbirths. Potentially contaminated clothing will be safe to handle after being washed on a hot cycle
- Ensure contacts or partners who have attended lambing ewes or other animals giving birth take appropriate health and hygiene precautions, including the wearing of personal protective equipment and clothing and adequate washing to remove any potential contamination.
Pregnant women are being advised to seek medical advice if they experience fever or flu-like symptoms, or if they are concerned that they could have acquired infection from a farm environment.
Farmers and livestock keepers have a responsibility to minimise the risks to pregnant women, including members of their family, the public and professional staff visiting farms, according to the HSENI.
