Warning to pregnant women during lambing season

The Department of Health, Defra and the Health and Safety Executive have issue a joint statement reminding pregnant women to avoid close contact with sheep during the lambing season.

It said pregnant women could be risking their own health, and that of their unborn child, as a result of infections that can occur in some ewes.

The statement stressed that these infections are uncommon and that the number of human pregnancies affected by contact with sheep is ‘extremely small’.

But it said it was important that pregnant women are aware of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions.

It also reminded farmers of their responsibilities to pregnant women who come into contact with their farm, including members of their family, the public and professional staff visiting farms. 

Pregnant women and their partners are advised that they should:

• Not help to lamb or milk ewes;
• Avoid contact with aborted or new-born lambs or with the afterbirth, birthing fluids or materials (eg bedding) contaminated by such birth products;
• Avoid handling (including washing) clothing, boots or any materials that may have come into contact with ewes, lambs or afterbirth;
• Ensure partners attending lambing ewes take appropriate health and hygiene precautions, including the wearing of personal protective equipment and adequate washing to remove any potential contamination.

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

Regulations require employers and the self employed to assess risks to health from harmful substances, including micro-organisms, and to take steps to prevent or control those risks.

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