Weak newborn, Abortion, Stillbirth, Premature kidding.

Animals are mainly infected by breathing in air particles contaminated with the bacteria. Infected goats, even if asymptomatic, shed C. burnetii mainly through birth or abortion products and for up to 2 consecutive kiddings¹³ and can also be shed in vaginal mucus, faeces and milk¹⁴.

The main symptom of infection with Coxiella burnetii in goats is abortion during late pregnancy¹⁵ and storms of up to 90% have been documented.

There is also evidence of increased metritis, small and weakly kids being born and increased kid mortality¹⁵. In non-pregnant animals the infection is generally asymptomatic.

Milk production:

Can also be impacted with high shedding does producing 17% less milk compared to those testing negative¹⁶.

Across Europe up to one in three goat herds test positive for Q Fever¹⁷, it is therefore important to be aware of this disease. An outbreak in the Netherlands between 2007 and 2010 resulted in a wide scale cull for infected flocks and a compulsory vaccination protocol being out in place¹⁸.

When to consider Q Fever?

An unexplained increase in abortion or stillbirth.

Investigation should be undertaken to rule out other causes of abortion/stillbirth.