HSENI warns of serious risks to pregnant women during lambing and calving season

Date published: 02 March 2026

As spring approaches and the busy lambing and calving period begins, HSENI is urging farming families, workers and rural communities to be aware of the significant risk posed to pregnant women from close contact with animals giving birth.

While the number of human pregnancies affected by these infections is low, the consequences can be severe. Pregnant women may be exposed to dangerous zoonotic infections carried by sheep, cows and goats that have recently given birth. These infections can harm both the mother and unborn child, and the risk is not confined solely to the spring lambing peak - any contact with animals giving birth at any time of year can present a danger.

Dr Bryan Monson, Deputy Chief Executive for HSENI, said: “Pregnant women should never assist with lambing ewes, calving cows or kidding goats, and should avoid all contact with newborn animals, afterbirth, birthing fluids or contaminated bedding. Even indirect exposure - from handling clothing or boots used during lambing - can carry risk. We want every farm family to understand these dangers clearly so they can take the right precautions.”

Advice for pregnant women:

To avoid the risk of infection, HSENI strongly advises that pregnant women should:

• not help to lamb ewes, calve cows or assist nanny goats that are kidding
• avoid all contact with aborted or newborn lambs, calves or kids, and avoid any exposure to afterbirth, birthing fluids or contaminated bedding
• not handle or wash clothing, boots, tools or materials that may have been contaminated by animals that have recently given birth
• ensure that partners or family members involved in lambing take strict hygiene precautions, including appropriate PPE and thorough washing after any contact with birthing animals
• seek immediate medical advice if they experience fever, flu like symptoms, or have any concerns after being on or near farm environments during lambing or calving

Beyond the specific risks to pregnant women, HSENI reminds all farmers that the lambing and calving season brings significant health and safety challenges. Long hours, broken sleep and physically demanding work can lead to severe fatigue, which impairs judgement, slows reaction times, and increases the temptation to take shortcuts.

“A tired farmer is a vulnerable farmer,” Bryan continued. “Taking planned breaks, asking for help, and never entering a pen with a calving cow or protective ewe without a safe escape route are essential steps to prevent serious injury.”

Other important safety measures include:

• always carry a charged mobile phone
• tell someone where you are working
• ask for help if a task feels too risky alone
• take time to secure gates properly
• never turn your back on a cow or heifer around calving time

Even normally calm livestock can become dangerous if startled or protecting their young.

Wider health considerations:

Farmers are also at increased risk of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from heavy lifting, awkward postures and repetitive work in lambing pens. Slips, trips, falls and exposure to zoonotic diseases also rise at this time of year.

“Approaching the season well prepared, reviewing safety procedures and recognising early signs of strain or risk can make the spring workload safer and more manageable,” Bryan added.

This renewed focus forms part of HSENI’s wider Workplace Health Campaign, encouraging farmers to recognise risks and take appropriate precautions, looking after their own physical and mental wellbeing is just as important as looking after their livestock.