Sheep (mad question)

[ISeeRedPeople]

I want to take my toddler to a farmstead / petting zoo place this weekend. I'm sure I've read somewhere that pregnant women shouldn't go near sheep or lambs or something.

Does anyone know if this is true? I assume I can stay a safe distance from them but I don't know what that distance is. I live in rural Wiltshire so I'm only ever a mile or so from a sheep anyway!

You shouldn't go near sheep that are lambing because of the toxoplasmosis risk. I would hope they'd have signs up. We've been to a few agricultural sales since I've been pregnant as I can't find any advice to say I shouldn't.

The local farm near us have signs all around the lambing areas saying for pregnant women to stay away from the area.

Is it lambing season now then? Sorry to be really thick but does that mean lambs are actually being born right now? I have no idea about nature... but I guess it is Spring now isn't it - I keep forgetting!

Don't worry yourself. As someone who was pregnant around a lot of livestock, you only really run a risk of infection if you are physically very involved with the animal which, unless you're a farmer or a vet, you probably wont be.

[http://www.hpa.org.uk/web/HPAweb&HPAwebStandard/HPAweb_C/1195733795417 Here's]] a very good article explaining the risks.

Damn link

Here it's probably the very start of lambing season. Lambing means sheep giving birth. I haven't seen any lambs yet. We are much further north than you though so I wouldn't be surprised if they have started lambing where you are.

We've had lambs for two weeks in North Wales. I've been told not to be around my friend's lambs when pregnant (not sure if she was more worried about me or the sheep!). Even if she was being OTT, I'd rather not run the risk.

Avoid lambs and yes we approach lambing season.
If you are going with someone, just stand back from sheep area while little one visits and of course keep good hand hygiene.
You don't need to avoid the zoo