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Lambing Season Health Advice for Pregnant Women and Families in Powys

6 February 2026

The arrival of newborn lambs is a special and familiar sight across the Powys countryside. While lambing season is a much-anticipated time for farming communities, Powys Teaching Health Board is issuing a gentle reminder about the small but important health risks and how to stay safe.

In rare cases, close contact with sheep and lambs during lambing season can be associated with infections that may cause complications during pregnancy. These infections can be present in newborn lambs, birthing fluids, afterbirth, bedding, clothing and farm equipment.

Mererid Bowley, Executive Director of Public Health, Powys Teaching Health Board, said,

“Lambing season is a special time of year in Powys, but it’s also important that pregnant women and their families are aware of the small risks associated with close contact with sheep and lambs. By taking a few simple precautions, families can continue to enjoy the countryside while helping to protect the health of both mothers and babies.”

To reduce any potential risk, pregnant women, those planning a pregnancy, women who may not know they are pregnant, and anyone who is immunocompromised are advised to:

  • Avoid all close contact with sheep and lambs during lambing season
  • Not visit lambing sheds or assist with lambing, feeding lambs or milking ewes
  • Avoid handling clothing, boots or equipment that may have been in contact with sheep or lambing areas
  • Ensure household members who have attended lambing follow hygiene precautions, including changing clothes and washing hands thoroughly with soap and water
  • Contact their GP or midwife immediately if they develop flu-like symptoms, fever or feel unwell following possible exposure

Advice for families and household members

  • Anyone working with sheep should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water (hand gels are not sufficient) and change clothing before returning home. Keep fingernails short and clean
  • Clothing, boots, and other materials that may have been in contact with animals or birthing areas should be washed separately on a hot cycle before reuse
  • If a household member has attended lambing, pregnant women should avoid close contact until appropriate hygiene measures, including changing clothes and washing hands thoroughly, have been completed. If thorough cleaning isn’t possible during the night, consider sleeping separately.

Anna Prothero, local resident who was pregnant during lambing season in 2025, said, “There are some things I can do to stay safe whilst pregnant.  Stay out of the lambing shed, help getting organised for lambing with trips to pick up things from the vet, ordering feed, provisions and keeping an eye on the cameras we’ve installed in the shed.”

Further guidance on staying safe during lambing season is available online.