OBJECTIVE Investigate the seroprevalence of the causative agent of Q fever, Coxiella burnetii in domestic dogs in the Townsville region, North Queensland, Australia. METHOD Blood samples were collected from dogs attending veterinary clinics for routine procedures. RESULTS An overall seropositivity of 21.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 21.6-22.1%) was observed. A retrospective study of samples collected in the same region during 1984-85 was also performed, with an overall seropositivity of 16.0% (95% CI 15.9-16.2). CONCLUSION Evidence of C. burnetii infection in domestic dogs may have public health implications for dog owners, as well as veterinarians because of occupational exposure. This study is the first known investigation of C. burnetii seroprevalence in dogs in Queensland.

Background  Queensland has the highest incidence of Q fever in Australia. The aim of this study was to undertake a cross‐sectional seroprevalence survey of Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, in beef cattle in Queensland. Methods  Serum samples were tested by ELISA for both phase II and phase I antigens of the organism using an Australian isolate. Blood samples were collected at an abattoir that processes beef cattle originating from northern and north‐western Queensland, in addition to blood samples taken from beef cattle across Queensland as part of a second survey. Results  Seropositivity was 16.8% (95% confidence interval 16.7–16.8%). Conclusion  Evidence of C. burnetii infection in beef cattle has public health implications for occupational exposure of primary producers and veterinarians and for the proximity of beef cattle properties to residential areas in regional Queensland. This study is the first known investigation of C. burnetii seroprevalence in beef cattle in Queensland and the first known use of an Australian C. burnetii isolate for screening using both phase II and phase I antigens.

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