Pregnant women need to stay away from sheep, and avoid contact
with drugs used on animals.
The major causes of abortions in sheep can also cause miscarriages
in women.
*Toxoplasmosis is caused by a tiny parasite that can infect sheep,
cats, and other warm-blooded animals, including humans. The infection
can lead to abortion or severe birth defects. The parasite multiplies
very readily in cats and is shed in large quantities in the feces.
Pregnant women should not change cat litter boxes. Children's
sandboxes should be covered to prevent cats from defecating in
them.
*Coccidiosis (Q-fever) is a disease of sheep and goats. Milk,
placental and birth fluids may contain the infection, which can
cause flu-like symptoms and even death. Animals may be tested
to see if they have the organism.
*Chlamydia is a common cause of abortion in sheep. It is also
common in other animals and birds. Handwashing after working with
sheep is extremely important. Chlamydia can be transferred to
humans by eating contaminated food.
*Salmonella bacteria are found everywhere; it causes diarrhea,
fever, and cramps which last from 4-7 days, in some cases needing
hospitalization and antibiotics to prevent the spread of infection
throughout the body.
*Pregnant women should also avoid exposure to certain drugs that
are used to treat diseases in dogs, cats, horses, and cows and
to drugs that are used to induce abortion in animals, or to synchronize
their estrus. These drugs include steroids, prostglandins, estramate.
Western Producer, March/1999