PREGNANT women who come into close contact with sheep during lambing may risk their own health and that of their unborn child. The caution comes from the Department of Health, the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, and the Health and Safety Executive.
To avoid the possible risk of infection, pregnant woman are advised that they should not help to lamb or milk ewes; avoid contact with aborted or new-born lambs or with the after-birth; avoid handling clothing, boots, etc, which have come into contact with lambs or ewes.
Pregnant women and their unborn children are at risk from such infections as chlamydiosis, toxoplasmosis and listeriosis, although the risk is very small based on the number of reported cases.
Pregnant women should seek medical advice if they experience fever or influenza-like symptoms that they could have acquired from a farm environment.
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