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Q fever represents an important ‘neglected zoonosis’, with high prevalences recorded across the Middle East region. Among rural desert-dwelling communities in the region, camel milk is largely consumed raw, due to perceptions of dromedaries as a uniquely clean livestock species mentioned in the Qur’an and Islamic hadith, while milk from other livestock species is usually boiled. As a result, camels present a unique public health threat among such communities from milk-borne pathogens, including C. burnetii. In view of this, an epidemiological survey was conducted among dromedary herds in southern Jordan between September 2017 and October 2018, including 404 camels from 121 randomly selected herds. In addition, 510 household members associated with these herds were interviewed regarding potential high-risk practices for zoonotic transmission. Weight adjusted camel population seroprevalence for C. burnetii was 49.6% (95% CI: 44.7 – 54.5), with evidence of maternally derived immunity in calves ≤6 months old. Adjusted herd-level prevalence was 76.0% (95%CI 72.7–80.2), with 30.4% (144/477) of individuals estimated to consume raw milk from infected herds monthly or more. Following multivariable logistic regression analysis, seropositive status in camels was found to be associated with increasing age, high herd tick burdens, keeping the herd together throughout the year including when calving, and owning larger (>50) sheep and goat flocks, with goats presenting a higher risk than sheep. Racing camel status was found to be protective. Socioculturally appropriate interventions aimed at raising awareness of potential risks associated with drinking raw camel milk, alongside appropriate livestock management interventions, should be considered.

THE 2012 World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) vision statement describes ‘A world that is safe and secure from the accidental or deliberate release of animal pathogens, including zoonoses.’ Infectious disease agents and toxins found in animal populations and products are a considerable on-going threat to global animal health, agricultural economies, food security (crops and livestock) and public health. To address this threat the OIE has developed a strategy of capacity building and solidarity that seeks to ensure all OIE member countries have the capacity, expertise, resources and governance to comply with international standards, guidelines and recommendations for the reduction of risk from animal pathogens through malicious use or accidental release. This strategy is being achieved through a number of initiatives including ‘the development of twinning between veterinary education establishments in order to promote relevant concepts on bio-threat awareness and reduction, and to create a culture of responsible and ethical science among students’ (OIE 2012). It was within this context that a twinning initiative between the Royal Veterinary College (RVC) and Jordan University of Science and Technology (JUST) began in January 2015, with funding for an initial three year period to achieve biological threat reduction …