Q fever - Preventing Q fever

If you work with animals, your employer must take preventative measures to reduce your risk of getting Q fever.

For example, they must ensure all animal birth products are disposed of properly and access to infected animals is restricted.

You can also reduce your risk of getting Q fever by not drinking unpasteurised milk and dairy products, and by not touching anything that may have been in contact with animal blood, stools (faeces) or urine.

People particularly vulnerable to infection should avoid occupations that carry a high risk of exposure to Q fever. For example:

• livestock workers
• abattoir workers
• meat packers
• farmers
• vets and veterinary assistants

People vulnerable to Q fever include:

• those with a history of heart valve disease
• those with a weakened immune system
• pregnant women

Pregnancy

Pregnant women should avoid coming into contact with sheep and lambs during lambing season (January to April).

If you are pregnant and come into contact with sheep during lambing, the health of your baby may be at risk. This is because Q fever and other sheep-borne infections can cause miscarriages or stillbirths.

To reduce any risk of developing infections, it is recommended pregnant women should avoid:

• helping lamb or milk ewes
• coming into contact with aborted or newborn lambs or with the afterbirth
• handling clothing, boots and other items that have come into contact with ewes or lambs

For more information, see why should pregnant women avoid sheep during the lambing season?