Q Fever Warning

LOCAL Land Services are encouraging people to get the Q fever vaccine following new cases of the disease in the Hunter.

“In recent weeks we have heard of new cases of local producers being affected by Q Fever, and we want to encourage landholders to consider vaccination,” said Dr Kylie Greentree, district veterinarian for Local Land Services.

“Farming is one of the occupations with a high risk of contracting Q fever,” she said.

“We are the only country in the world with a vaccination available to prevent Q fever in humans and the vaccination is safe and the most effective way to prevent Q fever infection in high-risk occupations,” she said.

“Some people show no symptoms but others with Q-fever may develop flu like symptoms, headaches, muscle aches, fever, sweating, endocarditis,” said Dr Greentree.

“Up to 15-20% of sufferers’ progress to a chronic illness with chronic fatigue that can be debilitating for years, muscle pain, depression, hepatitis, pneumonia and heart failure which can be fatal.”

The cost of the vaccine and associated tests is $200, however the Local Land Services are working with local medical practices to help reduce vaccination costs.

Dr Richard Abbott from Scone Medical Practice explained the vaccination is a two step process.

“Prior to having the Q-Fever vaccine you need to have your immune reaction tested and they do that by a scratch test on your arm and a blood test to make sure you don’t have anti-bodies to Q-fever, because if you have the vaccination and you’ve previously had the disease you can have a nasty reaction,” said Dr Abbott.

“After the pathology is done then the vaccine can be given; it is a one-off cost and then you should have lifetime protection,” he said.

“There are potential valvular heart disease, rare but it does happen and it can be catastrophic,” he said.

“I remember one case where four people were at a calving and three of them got acute Q fever,” he said.

“Certainly anybody who is handling cattle on a regular basis should have the vaccine” Dr Richard Abbott said.

If you are interested in getting the vaccine at a reduced price phone the Local Land Services for more information: Jacqueline Myhill: 02 4938 4900.