Abstract
BackgroundInfection with Coxiella burnetii, the cause of Q-fever, has never been detected in Norwegian animals. Recognising the increasing prevalence of the infection in neighbouring countries, the aim of the study was to perform a survey of Norwegian farmed ruminants for the prevalence of C. burnetii infection.ResultsMilk and blood samples from more than 3450 Norwegian dairy cattle herds, 55 beef cattle herds, 348 dairy goat herds and 118 sheep flocks were serologically examined for antibodies against C. burnetii. All samples were negative for antibodies against C. burnetii. The estimated prevalences of infected herds were 0 (95% confidence interval: 0% - 0.12%), 0 (0% - 12%), 0 (0% - 1.2%) and 0 (0% - 10%) for dairy cattle herds, beef cattle herds, goat herds and sheep flocks, respectively.ConclusionsThe study indicates that the prevalence of C. burnetii infection in farmed Norwegian ruminants is low, and it cannot be excluded that Norway is free of the infection. It would be beneficial if Norway was able to maintain the current situation. Therefore, preventive measures should be continued.
Highlights
Infection with Coxiella burnetii, the cause of Q-fever, has never been detected in Norwegian animals
All samples examined were negative for antibodies against C. burnetii
The total number of herds in the population, number of herds examined, and estimated prevalence of positive herds with 95% confidence intervals (CI) are given. * In the six counties included in the study. ** In the 13 counties included in the study
Summary
Infection with Coxiella burnetii, the cause of Q-fever, has never been detected in Norwegian animals. Recognising the increasing prevalence of the infection in neighbouring countries, the aim of the study was to perform a survey of Norwegian farmed ruminants for the prevalence of C. burnetii infection. Q-fever is a zoonotic disease caused by the intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii. If symptoms occur in mammals, they are most often related to the reproductive system [4]. C. burnetii infection may cause metritis, reduced fertility and occasionally abortions [5,6,7]. Infection with C. burnetii in humans is often asymptomatic, but may occur in an acute form with fever, pneumonia
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