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Query fever (Q fever) is a disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, an obligate intracellular bacterium that affects humans and other animals. This organism is uncommon, but may be found in ruminant, and other domestic mammals. This study aimed to detect Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii) in cattle and record the risk assessment associated with coxiellosis. Total of 100 bulk tank milk (BTM) samples were collected from dairy cattle located in different governorates in Egypt. C. burnetii antibodies were detected in the collected milk using ELISA. In addition, 15 samples were subjected to PCR targeting ISIIII gene specific to C. burnetii. All farms in the investigated area had a positive case for C. burnetii infection. The overall seroprevalence of C. burnetii was 51% among the examined farms. However, significant higher seropositive samples were observed in Alexandria, Menoufia, Giza, Faiyum, Ismailia, Beheira, followed by Gharbia, Sharqia, then Dakahlia, and BeniSuef. Using questionnaire some risk factors such as region, breed type, age, season herd size, water sources, feeding management, abortion, mastitis, presence of arthropods or rodents were investigated among the study area. In conclusion, the study revealed a wide distribution of infections over the study area and further epidemiological study is recommended to prevent and control of coxiellosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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