Q fever description
Q fever is a bacterial disease that affects both humans and animals. It is caused by Coxiella burnetii.
Q fever has a worldwide distribution with exception of New Zealand
Q fever animal Symptoms
The most common sign of infection in animals is abortion during late pregnancy.
Most animals do not show any signs of illness with Q fever including lack of fever!
Q fever Transmission in animals
The bacteria mainly affects farm animals like cattle, sheep and goats. They then infect a variety of other species like humans, rodents, pets, birds, and fish
Direct contact is the main route of infection in animals through inhalation of contaminated air as well as contaminated farm equipment especially during birth
Ticks play a major role of maintaining the infection between animals and therefore importance of proper tick control
Dogs may be infected through consumption of placentas or milk from infected ruminants, and by the aerosol (air) routes.
Q fever human Symptoms
Symptoms of Q fever include fever, chills, night sweats, headache, fatigue and chest pains.
Pneumonia (lung infection) and hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) can occur in serious cases.
In pregnant women, infections can cause premature delivery, abortion and infection of the placenta.
In people with pre-existing heart valve disease, endocarditis (inflammation of the heart valves) may occur.
In pregnant women, Q fever can lead to spontaneous abortion, premature births and death in utero
Q fever Transmission in humans
Human cases are often associated with proximity to ruminants particularly at birth or during abortions and dry, windy weather
Humans get infected by breathing contaminated dust, assisting with delivery of newborn animals, contact with infected wool, urine, faeces, and tick bites
Sick animals also shed bacteria in milk, and thus, consumption of raw milk or their products e.g. yoghurt, cheese could be a source of infection to humans.
Dairy cows are more frequently infected for a long time and thus represent the most important source of human infection
Q fever prevention
Keep pregnant livestock separate from other animals.
Burn or bury the remaining reproductive tissues after abortions or delivery of newborn animals to reduce the spread of the disease between animals.
Take great care when handling animal tissues to avoid your exposure to Q fever.
Pregnant women should avoid contact with domestic animals or pets, to prevent infections with Q fever
Avoid contact with animals and birth materials, especially while animals are giving birth. Animals can be infected with Q fever, but may appear healthy
Eat and drink only pasteurized milk and milk products.
If you are assisting the delivery of newborn animals, wear gloves, masks and eye protection
People with heart valve disease, who have had valve replacements or pregnant women should be especially careful around pregnant sheep, cattle and goats.
Q fever Action
If you suspect Q fever contact your veterinarian for information on how properly to dispose of possibly infected tissue.
If you suspect Q fever: (1) In animals – contact your veterinarian; (2) In humans – contact your physician
Content provided by Zoonotic and Emerging Diseases Group (ZED) University of Liverpool, International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Zoonoses in Livestock in Kenya (ZooLink)