Pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep or cows during lambing and calving are advised that they may risk their own health and that of their unborn child from infections that such animals can carry.

The annual advice comes from both the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Health and Safety Executive NI (HSENI).

Northern Ireland’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride, said that although reports of these infections are extremely rare, it is important that pregnant women are aware of the risks and take appropriate precautions.

“It is also important to note that these risks are not confined to the spring, when the majority of lambs are born, and the risks are not associated only with sheep: cows and goats that have recently given birth can also carry similar infections.”

Pregnant women are being advised to seek medical advice if they experience fever or flu-like symptoms, or if they are 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, according to the HSENI.