Far West LHD Health Protection Manager, Ms Priscilla Stanley, said a single dose vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from this nasty disease. Before vaccination your doctor will do some simple tests to check if you’ve had the infection in the past.
Vaccine is recommended for people who work, or plan to work, in high-risk occupations and anyone over 15 years old who has the potential to be exposed to Q fever.
People should take care when around farm animals to avoid breathing in the dust that causes Q fever by using masks, wearing protective clothing, and maintaining good hygiene.
Ms Stanley said that in 2024 the District recorded its highest number of notifications of Q fever (seven) since 2017 (nine).
“Q fever is a serious bacterial infection caused by breathing in dust particles contaminated by infected animal secretions,” Ms Stanley said.
“The infection is carried by cattle, goats, sheep and other animals, so people who work on the land and deal with livestock are most at risk.
“However, the bacteria can also easily be carried on farm tools or work clothes and brought into the family home.”
Q fever symptoms often appear like a severe flu with high fevers and chills, sweating, severe headaches, muscle and joint pains, and extreme fatigue. Chronic lethargy can remain for months after treatment.
Occupations at higher risk of contracting Q fever include:
- abattoir and meat workers
- livestock and dairy farmers
- farm workers
- shearers, wool classers/sorters, pelt and hide processors
- stockyard/feedlot workers and transporters of animals, animal products and waste
- veterinarians, veterinary nurses/assistants/students and others working with veterinary specimens
- wildlife workers working with high-risk animals (including Australian native wildlife)
- agriculture college staff and students (working with high-risk animals)
- laboratory workers (working with the bacteria or with high-risk veterinary specimens)
- animal shooters/hunters
- dog/cat breeders, and anyone regularly exposed to animals who are due to give birth
- pet food manufacturing workers
- people whose work involves regular mowing in areas frequented by livestock or wild animals (e.g. council employees, golf course workers or staff of mowing businesses in regional and rural areas).
“Q fever occasionally affects children, but as the vaccine is not recommended for those aged under 15, it is very important parents know how to protect children from Q fever,” Ms Stanley said.
The following steps can protect against Q fever:
- washing hands and arms thoroughly in soapy water after any contact with animals
- wearing a properly fitting mask when handling or disposing of animal products or when mowing or gardening in areas with livestock or native animal droppings
- wearing protective clothing and thick gloves when working with high-risk animals or animal products
- removing and washing dirty clothing, coveralls, boots and equipment in outdoor wash areas to prevent exposing other household residents
- Washing animal urine, faeces, blood and other body fluids from equipment and surfaces and properly disposing of animal tissues including birth by-products.
For more information on Q fever, go to the NSW Health website.
