The Scottish Government has reissued its annual warning that pregnant women should avoid contact with sheep during the upcoming lambing season.
Close contact with sheep during lambing may risk the women’s health and that of their unborn child because of infections the animals can carry.
Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer Sir Harry Burns said the number of pregnancies affected by contact with an infected animal was extremely small.
He added: “It is important that pregnant women are aware of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions.
“These risks are not only associated with sheep, nor confined only to the spring (when the majority of lambs are born). Cattle and goats that have recently given birth can also carry similar infections.
“Pregnant women should seek immediate medical advice if they experience fever or influenza-like symptoms, or if they are concerned that they could have acquired infection from a farm environment.”
To avoid the possible risk of infection, pregnant women should:
Not help to lamb or milk ewes, or to provide assistance with a cow that is calving or a nanny goat that is kidding.
Avoid contact with aborted or new-born lambs, calves or kids or with the afterbirth, birthing fluids or materials (eg bedding) contaminated by such birth products.
Avoid handling (including washing) clothing, boots or any materials that may have come into contact with animals that have recently given birth, their young or afterbirths. Potentially contaminated clothing will be safe to handle after being washed on a hot cycle.
Ensure contacts or partners who have attended lambing ewes or other animals giving birth take appropriate health and hygiene precautions, including wearing personal protective equipment and clothing and adequate washing to remove any potential contamination.
According to the health warning, farmers have a responsibility to minimise the risks to pregnant women, including members of their family, the public and professional staff visiting farms.
Further information and appropriate control measures can be found on both the HSE and Defra websites.