"Pregnant women are advised that if they are in close contact with sheep during lambing that their health and the health of their unborn child could be at risk. Infections such as chlamydiosis, toxoplasmosis and listeriosis can cause abortion in ewes and these can be passed on to women who are pregnant," said Ken Oates, consultant in public health medicine.

"It is very important that pregnant woman avoid contact with sheep during the lambing season. In particular, they should not be helping to lamb or milk ewes, avoid contact with aborted or newborn lambs, or with the afterbirth and avoid handling any clothing etc. that has come into contact with ewes or lambs unless wearing gloves."

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