Q-Fever

Q-Fever numbers on the rise in humans

What does that mean for goat operations?

With the number of Q-fever cases on the rise in humans, it is important for owners of ruminant animals to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms.

There are a few diseases that can wipe out a kid crop before it even hits the ground. Q-Fever is one of those. Caused by a bacteria, Q-Fever is found in domesticated and wild animals throughout the United States (and the world). Q-Fever is important because it is a zoonotic disease, meaning that it can be spread from animals to people.

Q fever in animals

Signs of disease are very uncommon but abortions (including large outbreaks) may occur in cattle, sheep and goats. The Q fever agent is unusual because it survives in the environment for many months as an infectious sporelike form which is resistant to heat, drying and disinfection.

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Q fever in people

Infection usually results from inhaling the resistant spore form on dust particles contaminated with animal birth products (such as afterbirths), dung or urine; animal hides, wool or fur are other potential sources. Very occasionally, outbreaks occur in urban areas, probably caused by wind-borne bacteria spread from nearby livestock premises. Infection can also be acquired via contact with infected materials through skin abrasions, or, very rarely, from unpasteurized milk and tick bites.

Avoiding human infection on farms

Working with animals inevitably involves close contact with contaminated material so good personal hygiene is very important. Relevant regulations require farmers to adopt appropriate measures to minimize exposure.

Farmers should inform their workers/staff about the possible risks and precautions while working with livestock. • Wash hands thoroughly several times a day (especially if grossly contaminated) and always before eating, smoking and after finishing work for the day • Wash skin wounds immediately with soap and running water and cover with a waterproof dressing • Treat potentially infected animal tissues, such as afterbirths and aborted lambs, with care and respect. Handle with waterproof gloves • Use additional personal protective equipment (includ-

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ing face masks and goggles) for high risk activities, such as when handling abortions during confirmed Q fever outbreaks, using a pressure washer in lambing sheds, or working in very dusty livestock areas • Store protective clothing separately from work clothing and do not wear contaminated or dusty work clothing at home • If disposable face masks are used, these should conform to EN149-FFP2 standards • Do not drink unpasteurized milk, or eat or smoke in animal areas.

Good farm practices can help reduce human and animal health risks. These include, but are not limited to: • Maintaining a closed flock or herd, but if not possible then quarantine and carefully observe replacements for three to four weeks before introduction • Investigating farm abortion and stillbirth outbreaks and consult your veterinary surgeon as appropriate • Isolating aborted animals until discharges cease; restrict access by animals and people where possible. Wind borne spread of Q fever is known to occur, therefore it is important to control airborne spread of the organism by minimizing the generation of dust and aerosols where possible • Being aware that contaminated aerosols can be spread by ventilation systems expelling air from livestock buildings into areas frequented by workers • Treating soiled bedding removed from buildings where birth and abortions have occurred as a potentially high risk contaminated waste product. Promptly remove all afterbirths, aborted and stillborn kids, and heavily contaminated litter. Regularly clean and disinfect kidding sheds, calving pens and similar buildings to prevent accumulation of potentially contaminated material. Before using a high pressure hose after mucking out, dampen down first using a low pressure spray to reduce production of fine aerosols. Although Q fever is not susceptible to common farm disinfectants, they still help to control other important diseases • Avoiding cleaning out buildings and moving soiled bedding on windy days, and take care to avoid spillage, particularly onto public roads or footpaths • Do not burn bedding or abortion material on a bonfire because it may increase risk of aerosol spread,especially in windy weather. It should be composted in a stack well away from livestock for several weeks followed by turning the exposed surface inwards and allowing it to heat up for several more weeks • After stacking and composting for at least 3 months, spread manure onto arable land well away from people or livestock. • Keep dogs and cats away from abortion material and parturition products. • Control ticks and other parasites on livestock.

Quick Q & A on Q-Fever

What is Q fever?

• Q fever is a disease in people and animals caused by the germ (bacteria) Coxiella burnetii. • In animals, the disease is also known as coxiellosis (pronounced cox·e·el·low·sis).

What are the symptoms of Q fever in animals?

• Infected animals usually appear healthy. • Infected, pregnant animals may experience abortions late in pregnancy.

Who is at risk?

Anyone who has contact with animals infected with Q fever bacteria, especially people who work on farms or with animals. Examples of high-risk jobs include: • Livestock farmers • Slaughterhouse workers • Veterinarians • Animal or laboratory researchers

How is it spread?

• Q fever is most commonly spread to people by infected farm animals, including goats, cattle, and sheep.

People can get Q fever by: • Touching feces, urine, milk, or blood from an infected animal. • Breathing in dust that contains Q fever bacteria. • Touching a newborn animal or birthing products (placenta, birth fluids) from an infected animal. • Drinking raw (unpasteurized) milk.

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