The risks of q fever for public settings

As the popularity of public events that showcase livestock increases, so does the likelihood of contact between humans and animals that may harbor zoonotic diseases. Displaying livestock in public settings, such as at fairs, petting zoos and farmers markets, creates routes for disease transmission for zoonoses such as Q fever. Although rarely documented, and probably underreported, outbreaks of Q fever have occurred at farmers markets, petting zoos and fairs. Wild animals at zoos have also tested positive for Coxiella burnetii and may be another source of Q fever exposure for the public. In any case, prudent measures to prevent Q fever are warranted. Training animal caretakers and educating visitors to these events can be the key in preventing C. burnetii transmission, since domestic and wild ruminants are the main reservoirs of this disease, especially periparturient animals.