Vaccination of cattle workers at risk of Q fever on the north coast of new South Wales
Hutson, B.; Deaker, R.A.; Newland, J.
Australian Family Physician 29(7): 708-709
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-8495 PMID: 10914459 Document Number: 520543
Q fever is the most common zoonotic disease of livestock handlers and abattoir workers in rural Australia. This study aimed to measure the rate of pre-existing immunity to Q fever among cattle or saleyard workers on the north coast of New South Wales (NSW). Participants were screened for complement fixation (CF) antibodies and returned one week later for results when a dose of Q fever vaccine was given if serum and skin tests were negative. Over a 24 week period 1417 persons were tested. Of these, 394 had positive CF antibodies, a positive skin test or both; 987 were vaccinated with Qvax; 3.1% were lost to follow up. Over 27% of cattle workers had pre-existing immunity to Q fever, indicating this population is at significant risk of infection. General practitioners working in high risk communities should routinely test and vaccinate patients at risk of Q fever.