Pregnant women have been advised not to have any contact with sheep at lambing time. The advice was jointly issued by the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Health and relates to the risk of contracting an infection which can occur in some ewes.
While the Departments was anxious to play down the extent of the risk to women, saying that infections and human miscarriages were extremely rare, they should be made aware of any potential hazards.
Guidelines issued by the Departments include avoiding any contact with sheep at time of lambing, with new-born lambs and with ewes which have recently given birth and avoiding contact with clothing, boots, utensils etc., which have come into contact with sheep at lambing time.
Pregnant women experiencing fever or flu like symptoms or any illness after contact with sheep should seek immediate medical advice.