The main disease causes for abortions in the UK dairy herd are Neospora (1), Leptospirosis (2), IBR (3) and BVD (4), many of which can or have been vaccinated against, for some time. Whilst knowledge and vaccination has led to a decline in BVD cases, recently we have seen an increase in the number of cases related to Q Fever.

Q Fever is caused by the gram-negative intracellular bacteria – Coxiella Burnetii with cattle, goats and sheep the main source. Shedding occurs via milk, urine, faeces and a large number at abortion. It is thought that 70% of UK bulk milk samples display a low reading of the disease. The only identification tends to occur via abortion, placenta or stillbirth samples and if you’re testing for Q Fever in the first place!

Q Fever unfortunately can live for extended periods of time (months/years) in the soil and can travel as far as 5-10km in the air via wind. It is also resistant to most disinfectants, drying and heat but is killed by pasteurisation. Much depends on stocking density, open landscapes, windy areas and high temperatures. Many cases are reported in Australia playing a big cause in abortions after heat waves, however Western Europe and the UK have seen a significant rise in the past few years.

In badly hit areas vaccination of both infected and non-infected Q Fever herds is recommended, however whilst this is not common in the UK, the ability for this virus to spread is likely to result in a rise in infections around the country in years to come.

We also need to be aware that it can pass to humans via unpasteurised milk, contact with farm livestock particularly at or just after calving, generally through inhalation. Most people will not realise that they have had Q Fever although some may have Flu-like symptoms for 3-4 weeks, whilst pregnant woman are at significant risk of miscarriage. Staff working where Q Fever is present need to be aware of this particularly if their partner is pregnant. Whilst farmers should consider testing when abortions are recognised, too often a case is registered to another cause or not identified jeopardising the whole herd.

For technical dairy consultancy advice, please contact Wesley at wesleyhabershon@fcgagric.com or your local FCG Office.