Some infections can be passed from sheep to humans. If a pregnant woman becomes infected, it could harm her and her unborn baby's health.
If you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant, avoid close contact with sheep during the lambing season, which runs from January to April.
What are the risks for pregnant women?
Infections that can affect female sheep (ewes) and which could be passed to pregnant women include:
The risks are low
These infections are uncommon in sheep and very rare in humans. The number of human pregnancies affected by contact with sheep is extremely small.
Although the risks are low, pregnant women should still avoid close contact with sheep during lambing.
Advice for pregnant women
To avoid the risk of infection, if you’re pregnant or think you might be pregnant:
- do not help deliver lambs
- do not milk ewes
- avoid contact with aborted (miscarried) or newborn lambs, or with the afterbirth
- avoid handling clothing, boots and other items that have been in contact with ewes, lambs or the afterbirth
- ensure your partner washes thoroughly if they have contact with ewes that are lambing
Farmers are responsible for minimising the risk of pregnant women getting into close contact with sheep. This includes members of their family, the public and professional staff who visit their farms.
When to get medical advice
Seek medical advice if you’re pregnant and:
- you have a high temperature or flu-like symptoms
- you think you may have got an infection from a farm environment
Read the answers to more questions about pregnancy.
Further information:
