An AVNA Initiative
Why are
NURSES AT RISK?
Veterinary professionals are at a very high risk of contracting
Q fever as their job brings them into regular contact with potential sources of infection.
The most common sources of human infection are [1,2]:
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Cattle
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Goats
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Sheep
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Cats
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Dogs
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Rabbits
Infected patients shed the bacteria in urine, faeces, milk and birth products, with the highest concentration being located in the placenta [3]. Veterinarians and vet nurses come into contact with these products on a daily basis, significantly increasing their risk of exposure [4].
Q Fever in the
Veterinary Workforce
Although 74% of veterinarians are vaccinated against Q-Fever, only 29% of veterinary nurses are - that’s less than a third! [5]
Why is there such a difference?
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According to a study by Sellens and co-workers, those vaccinated chose to do so for the following reasons [6]:
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Agreed the vaccine was important
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Had moderate to high Q fever knowledge
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Worked within livestock/mixed animal practice
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Were willing to pay for the vaccine
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Relied on their work for biosecurity information
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Perceived their level of exposure to Coxiella burnetii to be at least low to moderate
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Viewed the vaccine as safe
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This means that the level of Q fever awareness and perceived level of exposure is correlated with vaccination status.
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General Q Fever Statistics:
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Approximately 600 confirmed cases of Q fever occur in Australia each year [2]
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Although Q fever can occur at any age, it is most prevalent between 30 and 70 [8]
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Q fever can occur in males and females but males are more frequently infected [9]
Risk Factors[9]:
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Contact with animal products
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Contact with pregnant or new born animals
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Living in a rural area
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Consuming cheese made from raw milk
[7]
Listen to a Vet describe a Q fever outbreak at her veterinary clinic.
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The two individuals infected were not vaccinated against Q fever. As the vet suggests, Q fever is worth a shot!