Q fever in small ruminants and its public health significance

Abstract

Coxiellosis, or Q fever, is a significant global zoonotic disease caused by Coxiella burnetii. It ranks among the top 13 global priority zoonoses and poses an increasing threat to high-risk individuals worldwide. Coxiella burnetii is frequently detected in animal-derived foods (such as bulk milk, eggs, and meat) and tick vectors. The disease can lead to spontaneous abortions in humans and reproductive issues in livestock, causing production losses. In developing countries, Q fever is prevalent but underreported and neglected, especially in regions like the Indian subcontinent (including Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Pakistan, Nepal, Maldives, and Myanmar). Policymakers and funding agencies often do not prioritize this disease, despite its public health significance. This review emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the occurrence and epidemiology of Q fever.