Contact with young foals and pregnant mares

[Countrylass22]

Hello, I was wondering if anyone might know if there are any restrictions to visiting foals when pregnant? I know that for farm animals, specifically sheep, there are restrictions so I thought I would check if any of this applies to horses or foals?

[Colabottle10]

Well I hope not as I'm 16 weeks pregnant and my mare is due to foal in 6 weeks time!

After discussing it with my vet who has 2 children of his own, the issue is with handling anything during the birth i.e afterbirth and all the mucus and fluids that go along with that.

I think you will be perfectly fine to visit pregnant mares and any foals already on the ground.

[Junosmum]

It's mainly farm animals-sheep, cows, goats but after birth generally should be avoided. I wouldn't worry about goals already born or their mothers.

[Osirus]

I think it will be fine. I have horses and one is a two year colt. I have to keep a close eye on him but that's for other reasons! He's being gelded as soon as all the mud in my field dries up! I'm 25 weeks pregnant and been fine so far.

[Countrylass22]

Thank you for the advice, I will stop worrying so much!!