Q Fever

Q (Query) fever is so-called because for many years its cause was unknown. It is a zoonosis (infection acquired from animals) caused by the organism Coxiella burnetii, for which sheep, cattle, and goats are the most common source. Infection in these animals is usually asymptomatic.

The organism is found in the afterbirth and birth fluids, as well as the milk, urine, and faeces of infected animals. Human infection usually occurs by inhalation of infected dust or exposure to amniotic fluid or placenta, where the organism can survive for a long time. Q fever is uncommon in the United Kingdom.