Avoid sheep if you’re pregnant

Feb 6 2008 by Audrey Barton, The Journal

PREGNANT women are warned to avoid close contact with sheep during the lambing season for the safety of their unborn babies.

NHS North of Tyne, which covers Newcastle, North Tyneside and Northumberland, has issued the advice to make expectant mothers aware of the health consequences.

Sue Gordon, acting director of public health at Northumberland Care Trust, said: “Pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep during lambing could risk their own health and that of their unborn child, from infections that can occur in some ewes.

“We would advise these women to be very careful during the lambing season to avoid any unnecessary risk to their unborn baby.”

Infections include chlamydiosis, toxoplasmosis and listeriosis, which are common causes of abortion in ewes, and Q fever, which may occasionally cause ewes to abort but which can also be spread via the birth fluids of animals (not just sheep) that have no clinical signs of disease.

Although the number of reports of these infections and human miscarriages resulting from contact with sheep is extremely small, it is important that pregnant women are aware of the potential risks.

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 such as bedding contaminated by such birth products; and avoid handling clothing and boots 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 concerned that they could have acquired infection from a farm environment.

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 consult their veterinary surgeon and arrange for samples to be examined at their local Regional Laboratory of the Veterinary Laboratories Agency to determine the cause.