A Model for Coxiella burnetii Monitoring on a Sheep Dairy Farm

The aim of our study was to develop a model for farm monitoring, to be used in the case of the suspected presence of C. burnetii. Such a model could also be used to identify possible threats to human health. Thus, a C. Burnetii positive sheep farm was selected for this pilot study. Samples were taken from various areas on the farm and tested for the presence of C. burnetii using molecular methods. A possible relationship between C. burnetii presence and human seroconversion in farm workers was also investigated. Results showed that air and surface samples taken in areas of the farm used to house pregnant animals and for parturition could represent a useful tool for monitoring C. burnetii. Seroprevalence was found in farm workers, but not in veterinarians, who occasionally spent limited time on the farm. This suggests that the threat of infection is restricted to workers who are continuously present on site.