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  4. Q Fever on the Rise – What SA Dairy Farmers Must Know

Don’t wait—prioritise your health and farm’s safety today.

Protecting against Q Fever is crucial for the health and safety of South Australian dairy farmers. This bacterial disease can cause severe illness and long-term complications, with cases rising, particularly in Gippsland. Understanding the risks and taking proactive measures is essential to safeguarding yourself, your workers, and your family.
Vaccination is the most effective protection, offering lifelong immunity. Before vaccination, a skin and blood test checks for prior exposure. Public health experts recommend it, especially for high-risk occupations, as early diagnosis and treatment can reduce severity.

 

What Is Q Fever and How Does It Spread?

Q Fever is a notifiable disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, spread through airborne particles contaminated with animal fluids, waste, or birth products. The bacteria are shed in the milk, urine, faeces, and birth products of infected animals and are highly resistant to heat, drying, and many disinfectants, allowing them to persist in the environment for extended periods.

Inhalation of dust or air from contaminated environments is the primary route of transmission. Even without direct contact with animals, those working near livestock—such as dairy workers, shearers, and family members exposed via contaminated clothing or equipment—are at risk. Symptoms include fever, extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, sweating, and headaches. In rare cases, the disease can affect the liver, lungs, or heart. 

Further information: Q fever - SA Health 

Current cases: The Gippsland Outbreak 

Cases of Q Fever in Victoria are on the rise, with 77 reported cases in 2024—a significant increase compared to the previous five years. Five outbreaks were recorded between August and December 2024. Gippsland accounted for 45% of all Q Fever cases in Victoria that year, making it the region with the highest infection rates in the past decade. The disease remains a serious threat to workers in industries such as dairy farming, stock handling, livestock transport, and wool sorting.

One example is Jason Tharle, a Nambrok dairy farmer who contracted Q Fever in 2016. He was unable to work for months and could not leave his living room while managing his farm. Even years later, he still experiences ongoing fatigue from the disease.

Read the full article here: Q fever warning for farmers

 

Vaccine Shortages and Availability

CSL Seqirus is the world’s only manufacturer of Q fever vaccine for human use. Due to increased demand, there was a national shortage of Q-VAX® Vaccine and Skin Tests. However, CSL Seqirus has announced that stock for both will be available from February 4, 2025. 

For more information on the vaccine, contact CSL Seqirus customer service at 1800 008 275 or visit their website at CSL Seqirus Q-VAX® Vaccine. 

 

Where to Get Vaccinated and Preventative Measures

Before vaccination, a skin and blood test is performed. The process requires two appointments one week apart. The first includes a skin and blood test; the second determines if vaccination is required. Those with antibodies have already had Q Fever and do not require vaccination.

To minimise risk, farmers and workers should wear PPE, maintain hygiene, reduce dust exposure, and avoid contact with animal fluids.

Please contact the providers below for bookings, stock availability, and potential group vaccination options at a reduced cost.

Locations:Approved Q Fever Vaccination Providers

Further resources: Q Fever- SafeWork SA 

 

Q Fever registry: Important information for those vaccinated prior to 15 April 2024

The Q Fever Register moves to the Australian Immunisation Register on 15 April 2024. Prior vaccination details won't be included unless reported by a provider. You can add your Q Fever eStatement by contacting your vaccination provider and access your information until 30 June 2025.

Q fever registry is moving