Q fever poses low risk to humans

(JB) Veterinary services are continuing to monitor livestock in Luxembourg more than a month after an outbreak of Q fever was reported.

On August 17, cases of the illnesses were confirmed in two goat farms in the country, prompting urgent action from the government.

While the ministry for agriculture attempted to allay fears that the disease could be transmitted to humans, it confirmed that tests on livestock were ongoing.

The information emerged in a ministerial question from deputy Fernand Etgen of the DP to agricultural minister Romain Schneider.

The deputy asked what measures had been implemented to stem the spread of the disease, what level of risk it posed to other animals and humans and whether vaccines existed.

The minister explained that livestock were being monitored via tests of milk. Precautions to prevent transmission from the contaminated farms had involved pasteurising the produce.

He said that vaccination of animals was only implemented if a herd contracts Q fever, mainly because a side effect of the serum was to reduce milk production levels.

Mr Schneider said that the illness posed a minimal risk to pets as risk of contamination was low.

Q fever is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be transmitted from livestock to humans via ticks.

The minister attempted to reassure residents by saying that Q fever did not pose a major public health problem and so would not be the subject of an information campaign.