At work
If you work with animals, your employer has to ensure that preventative measures are in place to lower your risk of getting Q fever. For example, they must ensure that all animal birth products are disposed of properly and that access to infected animals is restricted.
You can also reduce your risk of getting Q fever by not drinking unpasteurised milk and dairy products, and by not touching anything that may have been in contact with animal blood, stools (faeces) or urine.
People who are particularly vulnerable to infection should avoid occupations that carry a high risk of exposure to Q fever. These occupations are:
- livestock workers
- abattoir workers
- meat packers
- farmers
- vets and veterinary assistants
People who are vulnerable to Q fever include:
- those with a history of heart valve disease
- those with a weakened immune system
- pregnant women
Pregnancy
If you are pregnant, avoid contact with sheep and lambs during the lambing season.
Pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep during lambing may risk the health of their unborn child because Q fever (as well as other sheep-borne infections) can cause miscarriages or stillbirths.
To avoid the possible risk of developing infections, pregnant women are also advised to avoid the following:
- helping lamb or milk ewes
- contact with aborted or newborn lambs or with the afterbirth
- handling clothing, boots and other items that have come into contact with ewes or lambs
For more information, see why should pregnant women avoid sheep during the lambing season?
