Is Petting zoos and farm animals safe during pregnancy?
Visits are fine with care: wash hands well, don't eat around animals, and avoid newborn lambs and animals giving birth.
PregnancyUse with care
BreastfeedingUse with care
EvidenceLimited
What the sources say
CDC says pregnant people are more likely to get sick from some animal germs, which can reach the baby. NHS advises pregnant women to avoid lambing ewes and newborn lambs, and to avoid close contact with pigs (possible hepatitis E source), cook pork thoroughly, and wash hands after handling animals. Neither source restricts visits during breastfeeding; general handwashing advice applies.
Also listed as
animal exhibits, barn, calves, county fair animals, cows, farm animals, farm visit, goats, petting zoo, pigs
Sources
- CDC: People at Increased Risk for Illness from Animals
- NHS: Infections in pregnancy that may affect your baby
Last reviewed . This is general information, not medical advice. Ask your doctor or midwife about your own situation.