Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in clinically healthy German sheep flocks

Abstract

Background Current epidemiological data on the situation of Coxiella (C.) burnetii infections in sheep are missing, making risk assessment and the implementation of counteractive measures difficult. Using the German state of Thuringia as a model example, the estimated sero-, and antigen prevalence of C. burnetii (10% and 25%, respectively) was assessed at flock level in 39/252 randomly selected clinically healthy sheep flocks with more than 100 ewes and unknown abortion rate. Results The CHECKIT™ Q-fever Test Kit identified 11 (28%) antibody positive herds, whereas real-time PCR revealed the presence of C. burnetii DNA in 2 (5%) of the flocks. Multiple-locus variable number of tandem repeats analysis of 9 isolates obtained from one flock revealed identical profiles. All isolates contained the plasmid QpH1. Conclusions The results demonstrate that C. burnetii is present in clinically inconspicuous sheep flocks and sporadic flare-ups do occur as the notifications to the German animal disease reporting system show. Although C. burnetii infections are not a primary veterinary concern due to the lack of significant clinical impact on animal health (with the exception of goats), the eminent zoonotic risk for humans should not be underestimated. Therefore, strategies combining the interests of public and veterinary public health should include monitoring of flocks, the identification and culling of shedders as well as the administration of protective vaccines.

Investigação sorológica de Rickettsia rickettsii e Coxiella burnetii em caprinos e ovinos no entorno do Parque Nacional da Serra das Confusões, Piauí

“…Pesquisas sobre a prevalência da infecção em caprinos e ovinos no Brasil são escassos. Estudos soroepidemiológicos realizados em outros países (Espanha, Alemanha, Irã) e no continente africano relataram prevalência da infecção por C. burnetii variando entre 11 a 74% (Ruiz-Fons et al 2010, Hilbert et al 2012, Esmaeli et al 2013, Vanderburg et al 2014 Apenas um ovino sororreativo foi encontrado parasitado por R. microplus, não permitindo estabelecer uma correlação segura entre a ocorrência do vetor e a presença de anticorpos nas amostras soropositivas, ainda que a presença do carrapato R. microplus em outros animais do mesmo rebanho sugira uma possível transmissão de C. burnetii. Mesmo não sendo verificada a presença de anticorpos anti--C. burnetii em caprinos, não se descarta a possível infecção nestes animais como parte do ciclo doméstico da C. burnetii.…”

Zoonotic risks from small ruminants

“…Despite this, various epidemiological studies have shown a baseline seroprevalence in sheep of 2-3%, although in high risk areas, that may increase to 30%. (Ganter et al, 2005;Janowetz et al, 2009;Hilbert et al, 2012).…”

Coxiella burnetii infection in sheep and goats: a public risk health, Colombia

“…One herd had five infected animals, four sheep's shed C. burnetii in milk and one goat shed in vaginal mucus, and it showed that this herd had active circulation of C. burnetii. In a study performed in Germany, C. burnetii DNA was found in 5% of 39 flock's sheep 27 . In the Netherlands, C. burnetii DNA was detected in 33% of 292 goat farms 28 .…”