Q FEVER EPIDEMIOLOGY AND CONTROL IN DOMESTIC ANIMALS

The significance of each domestic animal in the epidemiology of Q-fever is different in various regions and it depends on the number of animals, level of infection, herd size, type of breeding and the conditions of hygiene. Epizootiological studies in our country show greater prevalence in sheep, than in cattle. Q-fever is maintained in Vojvodina in endemo-epidemic form. In Q-fever management programs for control of in sheep and cattle, serological examination and vaccination of the animals is recommended. Efficiency of the application of these measures should be conducted by applying recommended serological tests and detection of causative agent should be done by PCR method. A study on the comparative examination of efficiency, of different vaccination protocols has not yet been conducted. This would refer primarily to the duration of vaccination program, animal categories that are supposed to be vaccinated and timing for vaccination. A significant decrease in the level of infection was found after vaccination during the first years upon application of vaccination program. When vaccination in heifers was done before pregnancy with vaccines containing C.burnetii phase I strains, it was five times less likely that the infection would occur. Vaccination of cows with chronic infection prevents shedding of riketsia via milk, regardless whether the shedding is constant or intermittent. Vaccination represents a new concept of suppression of this zoonozes in the terms of human protection, and also in the terms of creating areas free from Q-fever in endemic regions. General preventive measures applied in the case of Q-fever infection are: movement restriction, separation of animals, restriction of milk and wool, adequate hygiene, using the protective clothing, desinfection of equipement and vechicles, removing of placenta particles, removing of manure, quarantine after calving and lambing and not use common grazing. People proffesionally exposed to the risk from infection should be educated about the disease.