Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii infections among North Dakota sheep producers

J Occup Environ Med. 1998 Nov;40(11):999-1006. doi: 10.1097/00043764-199811000-00011.

Abstract

A case of Q fever in a sheep producer was detected by a surveillance system in North Dakota in 1993, when Q fever was not reportable. This is the first officially documented case in the state. To estimate the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection and identify associated risk factors, we conducted a study covering the whole state. A total of 17 cases were identified among 496 sheep producers, their family members, and hired helpers. The number of sheep raised was a good predictor of C. burnetii infection. Lambing outdoors and frequent physical contacts with sheep during lambing were associated with a higher risk, but petting dogs was correlated with a lower risk. We conclude that C. burnetii infection is prevalent among sheep producers in North Dakota. As the result, Q fever became a reportable disease in North Dakota.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Distribution
  • Aged
  • Agricultural Workers' Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Animal Husbandry / statistics & numerical data*
  • Animals
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • North Dakota / epidemiology
  • Prevalence
  • Q Fever / epidemiology*
  • Risk Factors
  • Seroepidemiologic Studies
  • Sex Distribution
  • Sheep*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires