First stumbled upon in Queensland, Australia in 1935, Q fever's source was a mystery to the Aussies, so they named the fever "Q" for "query." Further investigation revealed that the rickettsial bacteria called Coxi
First stumbled upon in Queensland, Australia in 1935, Q fever's source was a mystery to the Aussies, so they named the fever "Q" for "query." Further investigation revealed that the rickettsial bacteria called Coxiella burnetii was the culprit, thus this highly contagious disease is clinically known as Coxiellosis and it affects, dogs, cats, and their people, as well as ruminants such as cattle.
Q Fever In Dogs: Signs, Symptoms, & Treatment
Joining the ranks of tickborne illnesses, such as rickettsiosis, Lyme disease, tularemia, and several others, Q fever is transmitted by several species of ticks and may also be contracted by dogs via inhalation or ingestion of infected birthing tissue or fluids. Once inside the body, the C. burnetii organism invades the liver, nervous system, and the urinary tract, where it lives quite happily, often not causing any noticeable signs of disease. However, if left undetected, more severe illness can ensue.
The risks of Q fever for dogs and their people, mode of transmission, and the tick connection.
Q fever is most commonly spread to people when farm animals such as goats, sheep, and cattle have stillborn offspring or give birth to unusual or deformed babies since the highest concentration of the Coxiella organism is found in birthing tissue. Typi