Pregnant Women Warned Over Close Contact With Farm Animals

Pregnant women are being warned to avoid close contact with farm animals that are giving birth.

The Department of Health said pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep during lambing or other farm animals that are giving birth may risk their own health, and that of their unborn child, from infections that such animals can carry.

Northern Ireland's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, said: "Although reports of these infections are extremely rare, it is important that pregnant women are aware of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions. It is also important to note that these risks are not only confined to the spring (when the majority of lambs are born), nor are the risks only associated with sheep: cows and goats that have recently given birth can also carry similar infections."

Although the number of human pregnancies affected by contact with an infected animal is extremely small, it is important that pregnant women are aware of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions.

(CD/MH)