Which statement about Q fever in goats during outbreaks is true?

Which statement about Q fever in goats during outbreaks is true?

• A. Goats and sheep infections never cause abortions
• B. Infections only occur in winter
• C. Abortions with stillbirths and neonatal mortality are common
• D. There is no risk to humans

Answer: (C)

Q fever outbreaks in goats are typically marked by reproductive losses, with abortions, stillbirths, and neonatal mortality occurring at a high rate. This happens because Coxiella burnetii is released in large quantities from birthing fluids, placentas, and fetal membranes during parturition, leading to widespread environmental contamination. The infection can spread within herds and persists in the environment for long periods, making abortion storms a common feature during outbreaks. Understanding this helps explain why the statement about abortions with stillbirths and neonatal mortality being common is the best choice. The other ideas don’t fit the pattern of Q fever in goats: the disease can and does cause abortions, it is not restricted to winter and is more tied to parturition timing rather than a season, and humans are at risk through inhalation of contaminated aerosols or birth materials, so there is a real zoonotic risk.

Q fever outbreaks in goats are typically marked by reproductive losses, with abortions, stillbirths, and neonatal mortality occurring at a high rate. This happens because Coxiella burnetii is released in large quantities from birthing fluids, placentas, and fetal membranes during parturition, leading to widespread environmental contamination. The infection can spread within herds and persists in the environment for long periods, making abortion storms a common feature during outbreaks.

Understanding this helps explain why the statement about abortions with stillbirths and neonatal mortality being common is the best choice. The other ideas don’t fit the pattern of Q fever in goats: the disease can and does cause abortions, it is not restricted to winter and is more tied to parturition timing rather than a season, and humans are at risk through inhalation of contaminated aerosols or birth materials, so there is a real zoonotic risk.