Extra caution needed for pregnant women during lambing season

FARMERS have been reminded of their responsibility to minimise the risks to pregnant women during the lambing season.

In a joint statement on the eve of the lambing season, the Department of Health, Defra, and the Health and Safety Executive advise pregnant women to avoid close contact with sheep.

They warn that pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep during the lambing season may risk their own health and that of their unborn child.

This is due to infections that can occur in some ewes. These include chlamydiosis (enzootic abortion of ewes - EAE), toxoplasmosis and listeriosis, which are common causes of abortion in ewes and Q fever, which may occasionally cause ewes to abort.

The statement acknowledges that the number of reports of these infections and human miscarriages resulting from contact with sheep is 'extremely small'. But it says it is important that pregnant women are aware of the potential risks.

The statement stresses that farmers have a responsibility to minimise the risks to pregnant women, including members of their family, the public and professional staff visiting farms.