Sheep have a special place in my heart. My name, for one, means ewe or little lamb, in Hebrew. It is lambing season here on the farm. The time when the sheep give birth and there is an awesome opportunity to cuddle new little lambs. Not for me, though. No this year. According to Country Doctor sheep can carry these three different illnesses: Chlamydiosis (EAE), Toxoplasmosis and Listeriosis.
EAE effects on human pregnancy are “severe, sometimes life-threatening, disease in the mother and stillbirth or abortion.”
Toxoplasmosis on the other hand, has a much lower risk of infection. However, because it can be contracted from cats as well, it is what we hear about the most. When “acquired for the first time in pregnancy, may lead to infection of the foetus and this may lead to congenital malformation. Some affected babies may develop eye disease in later life.”
Listeriosis, similar to EAE has fatal consequences as well. “infection may cause abortion or premature birth. Infection in utero or during delivery may lead to septicaemia and meningitis with a 50-100% mortality.”
All of these are very rare to catch, even when helping with the lambing itself. They are a result of having contact with afterbirth, and / or contaminated food. That being said, it is important to be aware of the risks and judge accordingly. If you do have to help with sheep, it is important to wash thoroughly. Skin and clothing.
*All quotes are from Country Doctor.
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