Pregnant women advised to avoid animals that are giving birth

Pregnant women should avoid close contact with farmed animals that are giving birth, the Government advised today.

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.

Therefore the Departments of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS) and the Health and Safety Executive NI have issued annual advice for a number of years that women who are or may be pregnant should avoid animals that are giving, or have recently given, birth.

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.”

To avoid the possible risk of infection, pregnant women should:

• Not help ewes to lamb, or provide assistance to 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 (e.g. 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 the wearing of personal protective equipment and clothing and adequate washing to remove any potential contamination.

Pregnant women should seek medical advice if they experience fever or influenza-like symptoms, or if concerned that they could have acquired infection from a farm environment.

Farmers and livestock keepers have a responsibility to minimise the risks to pregnant women, including members of their family, the public and professional staff visiting farms.

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Posted by Newry Times News on Jan 27 2016. Filed under Community. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry