Menu
22/01/2016
Pregnant Women Warned Over Close Contact With Farm Animals
Pregnant women are being warned to avoid close contact with farm animals that are giving birth.
The Department of Health said 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.
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."
Although the number of human pregnancies affected by contact with an infected animal is extremely small, it is important that pregnant women are aware of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions.
(CD/MH)
The Department of Health said 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.
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."
Although the number of human pregnancies affected by contact with an infected animal is extremely small, it is important that pregnant women are aware of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions.
(CD/MH)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 November 2022
People Urged To Help Support Health Service By Getting Vaccinated
People have been urged to support the health service this winter by getting vaccinated to help protect themselves and reduce their chances of ending up in hospital. The vaccination programme for COVID-19 and flu is being rolled out by Health and Social Care Trusts, GPs and community pharmacies across Northern Ireland.
People Urged To Help Support Health Service By Getting Vaccinated
People have been urged to support the health service this winter by getting vaccinated to help protect themselves and reduce their chances of ending up in hospital. The vaccination programme for COVID-19 and flu is being rolled out by Health and Social Care Trusts, GPs and community pharmacies across Northern Ireland.
17 January 2022
Pregnant Women Urged To Get Vaccinated Following New Study
Pregnant women are being urged to come forward for vaccination, following the publication of a new study from the University of Edinburgh which found that women who get Covid-19 towards the end of their pregnancy are at an increased risk of birth-related complications.
Pregnant Women Urged To Get Vaccinated Following New Study
Pregnant women are being urged to come forward for vaccination, following the publication of a new study from the University of Edinburgh which found that women who get Covid-19 towards the end of their pregnancy are at an increased risk of birth-related complications.
13 February 2015
Pregnant Women Warned To Avoid Contact With Animals
Pregnant women who come into contact with sheep during lambing or other farm animals could be risking the health of their unborn child, the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture have warned. In a joint statement, the departments said it is important that pregnant women are aware of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions.
Pregnant Women Warned To Avoid Contact With Animals
Pregnant women who come into contact with sheep during lambing or other farm animals could be risking the health of their unborn child, the Department of Health and Department of Agriculture have warned. In a joint statement, the departments said it is important that pregnant women are aware of the potential risks and take appropriate precautions.
24 January 2014
Warning To Pregnant Women During Lambing
The Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture have released a warning along with the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland that pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep during lambing may risk their own health, and that of their unborn child.
Warning To Pregnant Women During Lambing
The Department of Health and the Department of Agriculture have released a warning along with the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland that pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep during lambing may risk their own health, and that of their unborn child.
19 January 2007
Pregnant women warned to avoid sheep at lambing time
Pregnant women have today been warned that they should avoid close contact with sheep during lambing. The advice has been issued by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).
Pregnant women warned to avoid sheep at lambing time
Pregnant women have today been warned that they should avoid close contact with sheep during lambing. The advice has been issued by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety (DHSSPS), the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) and the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
