Q Fever menu
Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
Diagnosis:
Can be a challenge for several reasons including:
- Infected animals can be asymptomatic but still be shedding the bacteria
- Animals can shed from differing routes and the amount of shedding can vary significantly over time.
- In cattle the presentation is often subclinical and can be confused/diluted by other factors
Goats:
Swabs from aborted animals and/or blood samples from recently aborted animals can be used.
Bulk milk PCR test (Q Test).
Cattle:
Bulk milk PCR (Q Test) or antibody test.
Post-mortem examination of aborted foetuses and or swabs from aborted animals
Blood samples from bulling heifers and suspected clinical cases.
Please seek veterinary advice for the best way to proceed.
Ceva Animal Health provide diagnostic support for livestock keepers concerned there may be Q Fever in their herds. Please contact your veterinary professional for information.
Q Fever is a notifiable disease in the UK. Please refer to your veterinarian or local APHA office for information regarding notifiable diseases in livestock.
Treatment:
Limited efficacy of antibiotics to control disease and reduce shedding.
In goats' antibiotics did not reduce the number of abortions in an infected herd26.
In sheep antibiotics did not reduce shedding or the duration of time that shedding occurred over27.
In cattle an antibiotic injection at drying off did decrease shedding at calving time but did reduce the bacterial load in infected cows28.
Practical tips to manage Q Fever
- Always investigate abortions
- Keep a good hygiene in the calving/ kidding/lambing area and ensure all placentas and other birth materials are hygienically disposed of.
- Protect yourself by wearing disposable obstetric gloves and coveralls
- Avoid disinfecting with high-pressure sprays (aerosols)
- Be aware of weather conditions when spreading muck or slurry.
Prevention:
Biosecurity both internal and external is important.
Vaccination:
A killed vaccine is available: COXEVAC®
Q Fever menu
Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
Diagnosis:
Can be a challenge for several reasons including:
- Infected animals can be asymptomatic but still be shedding the bacteria
- Animals can shed from differing routes and the amount of shedding can vary significantly over time.
- In cattle the presentation is often subclinical and can be confused/diluted by other factors
Goats:
Swabs from aborted animals and/or blood samples from recently aborted animals can be used.
Bulk milk PCR test (Q Test).
Cattle:
Bulk milk PCR (Q Test) or antibody test.
Post-mortem examination of aborted foetuses and or swabs from aborted animals
Blood samples from bulling heifers and suspected clinical cases.
Please seek veterinary advice for the best way to proceed.
Interchem Ireland Ltd provide diagnostic support for livestock keepers concerned there may be Q Fever in their herds. Please contact your veterinary professional for information.
Q Fever is a notifiable disease in Ireland. Please refer to your veterinarian or local DAFM office for information regarding notifiable diseases in livestock.
Treatment:
Limited efficacy of antibiotics to control disease and reduce shedding.
In goats' antibiotics did not reduce the number of abortions in an infected herd26.
In sheep antibiotics did not reduce shedding or the duration of time that shedding occurred over27.
In cattle an antibiotic injection at drying off did decrease shedding at calving time but did reduce the bacterial load in infected cows28.
Practical tips to manage Q Fever
- Always investigate abortions
- Keep a good hygiene in the calving/ kidding/lambing area and ensure all placentas and other birth materials are hygienically disposed of.
- Protect yourself by wearing disposable obstetric gloves and coveralls
- Avoid disinfecting with high-pressure sprays (aerosols)
- Be aware of weather conditions when spreading muck or slurry.
Prevention:
Biosecurity both internal and external is important.
Vaccination:
A killed vaccine is available: COXEVAC®