What is Q fever?

Q fever is a widespread disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii, which is able to infect mammals, birds, reptiles and arthropods. It causes a mild disease in ruminants, but can cause abortions and still births in cattle, sheep and goats.

It is also a zoonosis, a disease of animals that can infect humans.

Q fever is listed in the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code and Member Countries and Territories are obligated to report occurrences of the disease to the OIE according to the OIE Terrestrial Animal Health Code.

Source: The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE)