Q-Fever in Goats: Signs, Symptoms & Treatment

Q-Fever is a global bacteria caused by Coxiella burnetii , this bacteria can be found around the world except New Zealand. It can infect both peoples and animals by aerosol, direct contact with reproductive discharges, or infected milk. 

The most reservoirs for Q-Fever are goats and sheeps , but it can be also ticks and wild birds .

This bacteria is very resistant in any environment , It can be survive up to 1 month , spread through airborne and travel over 1 mile , 

The most common symptoms is the fever and reproductive failure .

 Signs and symptoms of Q-Fever

Some of the  signs that maybe shows in your goats is fever, headaches and [muscle pain], hepatitis and rarely meningitis.

 Abortion in late pregnancy, stillbirths, retained placenta,

endometritis (inflammation of the lining of the uterus), infertility, and small or

weak offspring in ruminants.

Most animals may appear without signs of disease.

Other signs:

• Hyperthermia
• strong headache
• exhaustion
• Diarrhea
• rash

Diagnosis of Q-Fever

Q fever is diagnosed with serological tests of the milk, feces, fetal tissue, placenta, vaginal discharge, blood with the help of the vet .

Treatment of Q-Fever

• If you know that your goat suffer from this disease or you have doubt , isolate the infected animal in order to protect the others and give it Antibiotics if you have it .

• If your pregnant does suffer from this disease , make sure that you dispose of the placenta birth products, fetal membranes, and aborted fetuses at farms housing sheep and goats. 

• Avoid drinking the milk or eating the meat of the infected animal , don’t touch the urine , and the feces or the animal 

•  Until now there is no vaccine found for the Q-Fever .

 To reduce the risk of injury.

. If you are helping with animal reproduction

• Avoid contact with infected animals during childbirth when possible

Or you deal with birthing products, you can protect yourself by wearing:

•  gloves
•  Eye protection means (for example, goggles)
•  Protective clothing (protective workwear and boots)
•  Masks (N95 or respirator is the top type
• Most effective than masks for preventing fever bacteria (Q)
•  Wash and change your clothes and shoes after handling animals.
•  Eat and drink only pasteurized milk and dairy products (cheese, cream, butter).

What should I do if I am concerned about having a Q fever?

• Call your health care provider if you think you have Q fever or if you are at risk of developing Q fever

Chronic. If you interact with or have interacted with farm animals, be sure to tell your healthcare provider.

• Contact your veterinarian if you think your animals have had a Q fever