Coxiella Burnetii Infection (Q fever) is a disease caused by the bacteria
Coxiella burnetii, which can cause abortions is affected animal species and mild to severe illness in humans.
What Animals can get Q fever?
Goats and sheep are the main species affected, while cattle are less commonly affected. Other animals can get the disease including dogs, cats, and horses. Humans can also get Q fever.
How do Animals get Q fever?
Animals get Q fever through ingestion or inhalation of the bacteria from body fluids or secretions of infected animals (e.g., milk, urine, feces, or birthing products). The bacteria can survive for long periods in the environment and can spread via inhalation of contaminated dust. Ticks are also able to spread the bacteria between animals, although this appears to be more common in wild animals.
Transmission to humans usually occurs when humans breathe in the bacteria from contaminated dust or animal birth products. Drinking unpasteurized milk also can be a source of infection.
What to Look for in Animals
The most commonly observed sign of Q fever in animals is late-term abortions or stillbirths, known as an abortion storm when widespread in a herd. Any increase in reproductive issues in your animals should be investigated by your veterinarian. Animals can also be infected without showing signs of illness. Good management practices are essential to limit disease spread.
How to Prevent Q fever using Biosecurity Methods
- Aborting and parturient animals are an important source of infection to other animals and humans. For this reason, isolation of these animals indoors is recommended to prevent wind‐borne spread of aerosolized bacteria. Placentas and aborted fetuses should be disposed of promptly by burning, burying, or bagging in a leak‐proof container.
- ·Contaminated bedding and manure should be composted for a minimum of 90 days before spreading to decrease the amount of C. burnetii bacteria in these materials and manure should be spread only on non-windy days, away from residential housing.
- ·Pasteurize milk products to kill bacteria that may be shed into milk.
People should take precautions and use appropriate personal protective equipment, including a mask (ideally an N95 respirator*), gloves, rubber boots, and protective clothing when coxiellosis is suspected.
How is Q fever in Animals Treated?
Based upon current data, antibiotic usage in the absence of ongoing abortions in livestock is not warranted. If your herd or flock is diagnosed with Q-fever your veterinarian and Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) veterinarians will help develop a management plan to reduce spread to animals and humans.
Human Disease
Many human infections are transient and resolve without treatment. Symptoms of Q fever can include fever, chills, fatigue, myalgia, and headache. Some cases may progress to pneumonia or affect the liver, nervous system, or heart. In rare cases, severe disease known as chronic Q fever may develop, which may occur months, years, or decades after initial infection. Q fever may require antibiotic therapy, with chronic cases often requiring prolonged treatment courses. Livestock owners with questions about their health, or who may be experiencing symptoms of Q fever should contact their healthcare provider.
If you suspect your herd or flock is experiencing signs of Q-fever, contact your veterinarian for testing.
* Talk to your doctor first about whether it is safe for you to wear a respirator.
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