Listen
Advice to pregnant women
09/02/2010
Pregnant women should avoid close contact with sheep during the lambing season.
Scotland's Chief Medical Officer Harry Burns advised:
"Pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep during lambing may be risking their own health and the health of their unborn child, from infections that can occur in some ewes.
Although these infections are uncommon, and the number of human pregnancies affected by contact with sheep is extremely small, it is important that pregnant women are aware of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions"
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 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 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
Dr Burns continued:
"While the number of reported infections and human miscarriages resulting from contact with sheep is extremely small, pregnant women need to be aware of the potential risks. If they do become ill - experience fever or influenza-like symptoms, and are concerned that they could have acquired infection from a farm environment, they should seek immediate medical advice."
Farmers have a responsibility to minimise the risks to pregnant women, including members of their family, the public and professional staff visiting farms.
If a ewe aborts, farmers are advised to ask their veterinary surgeon to take a sample to their local Veterinary Investigation Centre to determine the cause. In the interests of hygiene, farmers should dispose of all afterbirths promptly and safely via an approved route such as rendering or incineration.