Q Fever

Q fever is a bacterial infection caused by Coxiella burnetii, which is transmitted to humans from wild and domestic infected animals, most commonly cattle, sheep and goats. It is considered an occupational hazard for people who work with livestock or animal products, but anyone in close contact with infected animals or their environments can be at risk.

Q Fever in Gippsland

Forty five per cent of Victoria’s cases in 2024 occurred in Gippsland, despite the region representing only 4 per cent of the state’s population. Gippsland recorded a notification rate of 12.8 per 100,000 population, significantly higher than the Victorian average of 1.3 per 100,000 and the region’s own five-year average of 4.5 per 100,000.

Approximately half of the cases in Gippsland were reported among those in high-risk occupations for Q-fever, such as farm workers, abattoir workers, or those whose worksites may involve contact with infected animals or animal products.

Outbreaks of Q fever were also higher in 2024 compared to previous years. The Gippsland Region Public Health Unit investigated a total of 3 outbreaks in 2024, all in agricultural farm workers, such as those in the dairy industry.

What are the symptoms?

Q fever symptoms can vary, with some people experiencing no symptoms at all. When symptoms occur, they typically develop 2-3 weeks after exposure and may include:· High fever and chills

· Severe ‘drenching sweats’

· Severe headache

· Muscle and joint pain

· Extreme fatigue

A small proportion of people can get a severe form of the disease affecting their lungs or liver. Occasionally, people develop chronic Q fever up to 2 years later, which can cause a range of long term complications including heart disease, bone and joint infections and vascular infections. About 10 per cent of people develop chronic fatigue, also known as Q fever fatigue syndrome which can last for years.

Who is at Risk?

People who work with animals, animal products, and animal waste are most at risk of Q fever. These include people in the following occupations:

· Abattoir and meat workers.

· Agriculture, livestock, and dairy farm workers.

· Stockyard/feedlot workers and transporters of animals, animal products, and animal waste.

· Shearers, wool classers/sorters, and pelt and hide processors.

· Knackery and tannery workers.

· Laundry workers handling clothing from high-risk workplaces.

· Veterinarians, veterinary nurses/students/researchers, and others working with veterinary specimens.

· Dog/cat breeders and anyone regularly exposed to birthing animals.

Other groups at increased risk of Q fever include:

· Family members or others living with workers in high-risk occupations, due to exposure to contaminated clothes, boots, or equipment.

· Residents living near livestock farms, stockyards, or areas where animal waste is handled.

· Visitors to high-risk environments (eg farms, abattoirs, animal saleyards, agricultural shows).

· People living or working near livestock transport routes (exposed to dust from passing animals).

· People exposed to aerosolised dust that is potentially contaminated by animal products or waste (eg while mowing the lawn).

How is Q fever Spread?

Q fever primarily spreads through inhalation of air or dust contaminated with bacteria from birth fluids, blood or waste from infected animals especially during activities such as birthing, slaughtering or butchering infected animals

Direct contact with infected animal tissue or fluids on broken skin Although less common, the bacteria can also spread through the consumption of unpasteurised milk from infected animals.

Environments where livestock are housed or where animal waste is managed pose a higher risk of exposure to airborne particles carrying the bacteria.

Cases are more commonly reported around the calving seasons, when exposure to birthing products and waste from infected animals is highest.

How is Q fever prevented?

· Vaccination remains the most effective method to prevent Q fever, particularly for individuals at high risk of exposure. A safe and highly effective vaccine is available from GPs for eligible people aged 15 years and over. Pre-vaccination screening is necessary to ensure that it is safe and appropriate.

· Practicing good hygiene is essential, including thorough washing of hands and arms in soapy water after handling animals or animal products. This reduces the likelihood of transferring bacteria.

· Wearing personal protective equipment such as a properly fitted P2 mask , gloves, and protective clothing provides an additional layer of safety in high-risk environments.

· Wearing a properly fitted P2 mask while mowing in areas with livestock or native animals

· Dirty clothing, coveralls and boots worn during high-risk activities should be removed and washed in outdoor wash areas. These items should not be taken home to reduce the risk of infection to your household. If you do take them home, bag and wash them separately (these items should only be handled by those who have had Q fever before, or are vaccinated against Q fever).

· Environmental controls, including reducing dust in areas where animals are kept and ensuring proper disposal of animal waste and birthing products to minimize bacterial transmission.

What is GRPHU doing about Q Fever

The GRPHU has launched a Q fever engagement and media campaign and has been working closely with primary healthcare providers, the community and the agriculture sector, including GippsDairy to raise awareness about the risks of Q fever, in addition to finding ways to improve vaccine access and reduce costs.

Resources and further information

Find a local vaccine provider here.

Learn about Q Fever on the Victorian Government Better Health Channel here.

Download a fact sheet here

Download a Q Fever vaccination facts sheet here.

Download a Q Fever poster for shop windows and offices here.