[Coxiella burnetii in small ruminants - managing the zoonotic pathogen]

Q fever, caused by the obligate intracellular bacterium Coxiella burnetii, is a globally distributed zoonosis for which ruminants are considered to be the main reservoir. In Germany, the majority of human Q fever cases are linked to small ruminants. Epidemiological investigations show clear regional differences in herd prevalence, with higher detection rates in southern Germany, particularly associated with out-of-season lambing. Diagnosis in animals relies on both indirect (primarily ELISA) and direct pathogen detection (primarily PCR), although neither method can confirm the pathogen-free status of individual animals, emphasizing the need for standardized surveillance. Currently, no effective treatment is available for coxiellosis in ruminants. Therefore, vaccination with an inactivated phase I vaccine is the main measure used to reduce pathogen shedding and abortion rates. European animal health legislation (the Animal Health Law) places a general emphasis on the clear responsibilities of livestock keepers, veterinarians, and authorities for the reporting, prevention, and control of coxiellosis. The interdisciplinary consortium Q-GAPS has developed a practical management guideline for Q fever in small ruminants, providing recommendations for outbreak investigations and risk communication. It underscores that effective prevention and control of Q fever require a combination of vaccination, hygiene, and environmental management, as well as close cooperation between veterinary and human medicine, which aligns with the One Health approach.