03/23/2026
🚨 Q fever is a disease caused by infection with the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. In animals, infection causes abortion or stillbirth in cattle, sheep, and goats. Humans are infected by inhaling or ingesting the bacteria from birthing fluids, aborted fetuses and their placenta, and uncommonly from raw (unpasteurized) milk.
🤒Not everyone develops symptoms after infection, but those who do may have flu-like illness, with fever, chills/sweats, headache, and extreme tiredness. Some cases can be more severe and lead to miscarriage, heart valve infection, or chronic infection.
💊🩺Q fever can be treated with antibiotics. Talk to your doctor if you become ill after having contact with animals, especially birthing animals.
🐑 Keep yourself safe during lambing and kidding season! Prevent Q fever by wearing protective gear including gloves, a mask, and eye protection when assisting animals with birth or handling birthing products. Remember to always wash your hands after caring for animals!
🔗Learn more here https://www.cdc.gov/q-fever/about/index.html