Post by suzorse on Dec 17, 2011 15:21:14 GMT -5
this is the document I got from the state
Suzanne
Q Fever Prevention in Livestock
A recent outbreak of Coxiella burnetii (the bacteria that causes Q fever) in goat herds in the state of
Washington, in addition to several confirmed human cases in both Washington and Montana, has
generated considerable talk amongst public health officials, state veterinarians and livestock
producers. With cases of Q fever in humans on the rise in the U.S. over the last decade and the
potential for Idaho livestock to gain exposure to herds in Washington, the Idaho State Department of
Agriculture (ISDA) deemed it necessary to assess the herd infection status of Idaho livestock, in part,
by screening dairy goat herds for Coxiella. During this assessment, milk samples were collected from
thirty (30) raw milk dairy goat herds throughout the state; two (2) herds demonstrated Coxiella
reactive samples. An antibody-detection test, known as an ELISA, was used to screen samples, but
this test does not confirm the presence or absence of Q fever in the animal, only that the animal has
been exposed to Coxiella at some point in the past. The positive samples were sent to Cornell
University for molecular PCR testing. The PCR test is used to identify any bacteria DNA still present
in the milk, suggestive of an active infection. Both samples were found to be negative for Coxiella
DNA. A negative PCR test suggests that the Idaho goats likely never contracted Q fever, but at some
point had come in contact with an infected animal. The outcome is encouraging not only from a
public health standpoint, but also demonstrates the importance of why screenings and risk assessments
exist and how they help protect the industry from disease outbreaks such as the one experienced in
Washington. The ISDA emphasizes that the most effective tool for prevention of disease is the
education of livestock producers on management practices that will maximize biosecurity, while
minimizing animal and human exposure to infectious organisms. The following is a brief summary of
the disease with appropriate preventative management techniques.
Q fever is a serious threat to production, causing abortion, stillbirths and weakened newborns in
livestock, typically goat, sheep or cattle. Coxiella burnetii is a bacterium that is also contagious to
humans. Q fever in humans usually presents as a fever and respiratory pathogen but can also affect
other organs, including the heart, causing serious disease. Sheep and goats are the most likely source
of infection for humans. The most common route of infection is through exposure to birthing fluids
and fetal membranes from infected females or inhalation of dust from contaminated soil when these
secretions become airborne. The possibility of humans contracting the disease via consumption of raw
milk from an infected animal is considered extremely unlikely in healthy individuals. The
pasteurization process is designed to eliminate harmful pathogens, including Coxiella, from retail milk
products. Producers and handlers working directly with the animals and their waste are at the greatest
risk for infection.
Infected livestock may shed the bacteria in urine, feces, milk and vaginal secretions/fetal
membranes. The organism itself may survive in the environment for years in dust or soil and can be
carried via the airborne route for over 0.5 miles.
The best prevention measures include, but are not limited to: disinfecting clothing worn where animals
have recently birthed prior to returning home or visiting another facility and proper disposal of
placentas, soiled bedding and aborted fetuses. Routine sanitation of all livestock facilities such as the
milk parlor, holding pens and birthing pens as well as proper disposal of waste products is good
biosecurity. Individuals with weakened immune systems should avoid areas where animals have
recently given birth (i.e. – pregnant women, transplant patients etc.) If you believe you may have been
exposed to a potential animal case of Q fever, limit foot traffic to the affected area and see a physician
immediately. Contact your local veterinarian for advice of treatment/management of your herd.
Farms that practice good management and animal husbandry, follow basic biosecurity protocols when
introducing new animals into the herd and are meticulous in the maintenance and cleanliness of their
facilities will greatly reduce the risk of Coxiella exposure to their personnel and livestock.
TESTING OPPORTUNITIES
Comingled or individual milk samples may be submitted by producers to the state laboratory for Q
fever testing and will cost $17 for the first sample and $2.75 for each additional sample. Samples
should be frozen in a sealed, double whirl-pack and include a check made payable to “ISDA” with
completed owner submission form found at www.agri.idaho.gov Animals > Animal Health Lab >
Forms. Individual milk samples may be submitted to: ISDA Animal Health Lab, 2230 Old
Penitentiary Road, Boise, ID 83702.
Q FEVER OUTREACH SESSIONS
The ISDA will be holding outreach seminars that will be open to the public regarding control and
prevention of Q fever. Topics will include: disease symptoms, testing and submission, ramifications
of a positive test, proper disinfection/tissue disposal and industry concerns. If your organization
would like an ISDA representative to speak to your members, please contact our office. We will do
our best to accommodate. Log on to www.agri.idaho.gov for a list of future dates and locations.
Scheduled Meeting Dates:
November 13, 2011. Idaho Woolgrowers Association Annual Convention. Sun Valley Lodge, Sun
Valley, ID.
Snake River Meat Goat Association Winter Meeting. Nampa, ID. Date/Time: TBA
Contact: Dr. Scott Leibsle
Deputy State Veterinarian
(208) 332-8540
Suzanne
Q Fever Prevention in Livestock
A recent outbreak of Coxiella burnetii (the bacteria that causes Q fever) in goat herds in the state of
Washington, in addition to several confirmed human cases in both Washington and Montana, has
generated considerable talk amongst public health officials, state veterinarians and livestock
producers. With cases of Q fever in humans on the rise in the U.S. over the last decade and the
potential for Idaho livestock to gain exposure to herds in Washington, the Idaho State Department of
Agriculture (ISDA) deemed it necessary to assess the herd infection status of Idaho livestock, in part,
by screening dairy goat herds for Coxiella. During this assessment, milk samples were collected from
thirty (30) raw milk dairy goat herds throughout the state; two (2) herds demonstrated Coxiella
reactive samples. An antibody-detection test, known as an ELISA, was used to screen samples, but
this test does not confirm the presence or absence of Q fever in the animal, only that the animal has
been exposed to Coxiella at some point in the past. The positive samples were sent to Cornell
University for molecular PCR testing. The PCR test is used to identify any bacteria DNA still present
in the milk, suggestive of an active infection. Both samples were found to be negative for Coxiella
DNA. A negative PCR test suggests that the Idaho goats likely never contracted Q fever, but at some
point had come in contact with an infected animal. The outcome is encouraging not only from a
public health standpoint, but also demonstrates the importance of why screenings and risk assessments
exist and how they help protect the industry from disease outbreaks such as the one experienced in
Washington. The ISDA emphasizes that the most effective tool for prevention of disease is the
education of livestock producers on management practices that will maximize biosecurity, while
minimizing animal and human exposure to infectious organisms. The following is a brief summary of
the disease with appropriate preventative management techniques.
Q fever is a serious threat to production, causing abortion, stillbirths and weakened newborns in
livestock, typically goat, sheep or cattle. Coxiella burnetii is a bacterium that is also contagious to
humans. Q fever in humans usually presents as a fever and respiratory pathogen but can also affect
other organs, including the heart, causing serious disease. Sheep and goats are the most likely source
of infection for humans. The most common route of infection is through exposure to birthing fluids
and fetal membranes from infected females or inhalation of dust from contaminated soil when these
secretions become airborne. The possibility of humans contracting the disease via consumption of raw
milk from an infected animal is considered extremely unlikely in healthy individuals. The
pasteurization process is designed to eliminate harmful pathogens, including Coxiella, from retail milk
products. Producers and handlers working directly with the animals and their waste are at the greatest
risk for infection.
Infected livestock may shed the bacteria in urine, feces, milk and vaginal secretions/fetal
membranes. The organism itself may survive in the environment for years in dust or soil and can be
carried via the airborne route for over 0.5 miles.
The best prevention measures include, but are not limited to: disinfecting clothing worn where animals
have recently birthed prior to returning home or visiting another facility and proper disposal of
placentas, soiled bedding and aborted fetuses. Routine sanitation of all livestock facilities such as the
milk parlor, holding pens and birthing pens as well as proper disposal of waste products is good
biosecurity. Individuals with weakened immune systems should avoid areas where animals have
recently given birth (i.e. – pregnant women, transplant patients etc.) If you believe you may have been
exposed to a potential animal case of Q fever, limit foot traffic to the affected area and see a physician
immediately. Contact your local veterinarian for advice of treatment/management of your herd.
Farms that practice good management and animal husbandry, follow basic biosecurity protocols when
introducing new animals into the herd and are meticulous in the maintenance and cleanliness of their
facilities will greatly reduce the risk of Coxiella exposure to their personnel and livestock.
TESTING OPPORTUNITIES
Comingled or individual milk samples may be submitted by producers to the state laboratory for Q
fever testing and will cost $17 for the first sample and $2.75 for each additional sample. Samples
should be frozen in a sealed, double whirl-pack and include a check made payable to “ISDA” with
completed owner submission form found at www.agri.idaho.gov Animals > Animal Health Lab >
Forms. Individual milk samples may be submitted to: ISDA Animal Health Lab, 2230 Old
Penitentiary Road, Boise, ID 83702.
Q FEVER OUTREACH SESSIONS
The ISDA will be holding outreach seminars that will be open to the public regarding control and
prevention of Q fever. Topics will include: disease symptoms, testing and submission, ramifications
of a positive test, proper disinfection/tissue disposal and industry concerns. If your organization
would like an ISDA representative to speak to your members, please contact our office. We will do
our best to accommodate. Log on to www.agri.idaho.gov for a list of future dates and locations.
Scheduled Meeting Dates:
November 13, 2011. Idaho Woolgrowers Association Annual Convention. Sun Valley Lodge, Sun
Valley, ID.
Snake River Meat Goat Association Winter Meeting. Nampa, ID. Date/Time: TBA
Contact: Dr. Scott Leibsle
Deputy State Veterinarian
(208) 332-8540