Abstract
Q fever is a rickettsial infection caused by Coxiella burnetii that is transmitted from animals to humans. Modes of transmission to humans include inhalation, tick bites and ingestion of unpasteurized milk or dairy products. This survey was aimed at monitoring the seroprevalence of C. burnetii in bulk-tank milk (BTM) in Gyeongbuk province. In addition, the seroprevalence of C. burnetii was investigated at the herd level of dairy cattle in eastern Gyeongbuk province in which many dairy cattle are reared. Among 324 BTM samples collected from 20 country areas, 175 (54%) BTM samples from 15 (75%) country areas were positive for C. burnetii by ELISA. By regions, the seroprevalence of BTM samples in eastern, central, western and northern areas of Gyeongbuk province were 62.7%, 48.4%, 45.1%, and 41.4%, respectively. When analyzed in the dairy cattle reared in the eastern area where high seroprevalence occurred in BTM samples, 119 (24.2%) out of 492 dairy cattle were positive for C. burnetii. Seroprevalence of C. burnetii in dairy cattle was increased with daily milk yield of farm (P＜0.05) and age (P＜0.001). Since seroprevalence of C. burnetii is relatively high in both BTM samples and dairy cattle reared in Gyeongbuk province, further studies on the high risk farms and herds are needed to evaluate infection status and appropriate control programs in this region.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
