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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)
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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).
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