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Infectious Diseases

Infection risks during the lambing season

Photograph of a lamb

Women who are, or who may be, pregnant are potentially at risk of acquiring certain infectious diseases from pregnant livestock including sheep.

Pregnant women who come into close contact with sheep during lambing may risk their own health and that of their unborn child, from infections which can occur in some ewes. These include chlamydiosis (enzootic abortion of ewes – EAE), toxoplasmosis and listeriosis, which are common causes of abortion in ewes, and Q fever


Although these infections are uncommon and the number of human pregnancies affected by contact with sheep is extremely small, it is important that pregnant women are aware of the potential risks.

Related Topics:

Defra Press Release 7 January 2009

Zoonoses (infections acquired from animals)

Fallen stock (Defra information)


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