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Hamad G, Ranmuthugala G. Q fever awareness in Australia: A scoping review. Aust N Z J Public Health 2023; 47:100099. [PMID: 38016201 DOI: 10.1016/j.anzjph.2023.100099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the level of Q fever awareness in Australia. METHODS A scoping review was conducted by searching the electronic databases Medline, PubMed and Web of Science using keywords for Q fever, awareness, knowledge, and Australian locations. The search was initially limited to articles published in the 10 years prior to June 2022 and then extended up to and including August 2023; yielding 387 records. RESULTS Fifteen articles were assessed as being eligible. These articles reported on surveys and interviews conducted with farmers, veterinary practitioners and nurses, medical practitioners, policy makers, researchers, industry representatives, animal science students, cat breeders, wildlife rehabilitators, and agriculture show attendees. Farmers were the largest group represented. Level of Q fever awareness amongst these communities, including those at high-risk, was generally low. The need for increased awareness was recognised. General practitioner awareness levels were low and recognised to be so by high-risk groups. Awareness of preventive measures including vaccination was greater among those with greater awareness and risk. CONCLUSION With the availability of a highly effective vaccine in Australia, there is a need to increase Q fever knowledge and awareness among high-risk groups and primary health care practitioners. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH Strategies to increase awareness and knowledge of Q fever risks and prevention strategies may assist with reducing Q fever burden in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Hamad
- Department of Rural Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Australia
| | - Geetha Ranmuthugala
- Department of Rural Health, Melbourne Medical School, The University of Melbourne, Australia; School of Rural Medicine, University of New England, Australia.
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Hobbs MJ, Ketheesan N, Eastwood K, Massey P, Ranmuthugala G, Norton R, Quirk FH. Q Fever awareness and risk profiles among agricultural show attendees. Aust J Rural Health 2022; 30:601-607. [PMID: 35816572 PMCID: PMC9796403 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To assess awareness and risk of Q fever among agricultural show attendees. SETTING University of New England's Farm of the Future Pavilion, 2019, Sydney Royal Agricultural Show. PARTICIPANTS Participants were ≥18 years, fluent in English, Australian residents, and gave their informed consent. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Participants reported whether they had ever heard of Q fever and then completed the 'Q Tool' (www.qfevertool.com), which was used to assess participants' demographics and risk profiles. Cross-tabulations and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between these factors. RESULTS A total of 344 participants were recruited who, in general, lived in major NSW cities and were aged 40-59 years. 62% were aware of Q fever. Living in regional/remote areas and regular contact with livestock, farms, abattoirs and/or feedlots increased the likelihood of Q fever awareness. Direct or indirect contact with feral animals was not associated with Q fever awareness after controlling for the latter risk factors. 40% of participants had a high, 21% a medium, and 30% a low risk of exposure. Slightly less than 10% reported a likely existing immunity or vaccination against Q fever. Among those who were not immune, living in a regional or remote area and Q fever awareness were independently associated with increased likelihood of exposure. CONCLUSIONS Awareness of Q fever was relatively high. Although 61% of participants had a moderate to high risk of exposure to Q fever, they had not been vaccinated. This highlights the need to explore barriers to vaccination including accessibility of providers and associated cost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan J. Hobbs
- New England Institute of Healthcare Research, UNEArmidaleNSWAustralia,School of Rural Medicine, UNEArmidaleNSWAustralia
| | - Natkunam Ketheesan
- New England Institute of Healthcare Research, UNEArmidaleNSWAustralia,Q Fever Research Consortium, UNEArmidaleNSWAustralia,School of Science and Technology, UNEArmidaleNSWAustralia
| | - Keith Eastwood
- Q Fever Research Consortium, UNEArmidaleNSWAustralia,School of Medicine and Public HealthUniversity of NewcastleCallaghanNSWAustralia,Population HealthHunter New England Local Health DistrictNew LambtonNSWAustralia
| | - Peter Massey
- Q Fever Research Consortium, UNEArmidaleNSWAustralia,Population HealthHunter New England Local Health DistrictNew LambtonNSWAustralia
| | - Geetha Ranmuthugala
- New England Institute of Healthcare Research, UNEArmidaleNSWAustralia,School of Rural Medicine, UNEArmidaleNSWAustralia,Q Fever Research Consortium, UNEArmidaleNSWAustralia
| | - Robert Norton
- Q Fever Research Consortium, UNEArmidaleNSWAustralia,Townsville Hospital Health Service, Queensland HealthDouglasQldAustralia,School of Biomedical SciencesUniversity of QueenslandSt LuciaQldAustralia
| | - Frances H. Quirk
- New England Institute of Healthcare Research, UNEArmidaleNSWAustralia,School of Rural Medicine, UNEArmidaleNSWAustralia,Q Fever Research Consortium, UNEArmidaleNSWAustralia
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Orr B, Malik R, Westman ME, Norris JM. Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii in pig-hunting dogs from north Queensland, Australia. Aust Vet J 2022; 100:230-235. [PMID: 35156193 PMCID: PMC9306716 DOI: 10.1111/avj.13151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The causative agent of Q fever, Coxiella burnetii, is endemic to Queensland and is one of the most important notifiable zoonotic diseases in Australia. The reservoir species for C. burnetii are classically ruminants, including sheep, cattle and goats. There is increasing evidence of C. burnetii exposure in dogs across eastern and central Australia. The present study aimed to determine if pig-hunting dogs above the Tropic of Capricorn in Queensland had similar rates of C. burnetii exposure to previous serosurveys of companion dogs in rural north-west New South Wales. A total of 104 pig-hunting dogs had serum IgG antibody titres to phase I and phase 2 C. burnetii determined using an indirect immunofluorescence assay test. Almost one in five dogs (18.3%; 19/104; 95% confidence interval 9.6%-35.5%) were seropositive to C. burnetii, with neutered dogs more likely to test positive compared to entire dogs (P = 0.0497). Seropositivity of the sampled pig-hunting dogs was one of the highest recorded in Australia. Thirty-nine owners of the pig-hunting dogs completed a survey, revealing 12.8% (5/39) had been vaccinated against Q fever and 90% (35/39) were aware that both feral pigs and dogs could potentially be sources of C. burnetii. Our findings indicate that pig hunters should be aware of the risk of exposure to Q fever during hunts and the sentinel role their dogs may play in C. burnetii exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Orr
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - R Malik
- Centre for Veterinary Education, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Veterinary and Animal Science, Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
| | - M E Westman
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute (EMAI), Menangle, New South Wales, Australia
| | - J M Norris
- Sydney School of Veterinary Science, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Sydney Institute for Infectious Diseases, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Rahaman MR, Burgess T, Marshall H, Milazzo A, Chaber AL, Crabb D, Bi P. Q fever prevention: Perspectives from university animal science and veterinary students and livestock farmers. Aust J Rural Health 2022; 30:385-392. [PMID: 35099093 DOI: 10.1111/ajr.12840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore animal science and veterinary students' and livestock farmers' perceptions concerning Q fever prevention. DESIGN An online survey with an open-ended question seeking knowledge and perceptions about Q fever prevention was distributed among participants during March-September 2019. We applied thematic analysis to identify emerging themes. SETTING Animal science and veterinary students enrolled at the University of Adelaide and members of Livestock South Australia representing cattle, sheep and goat farmers in South Australia. PARTICIPANTS A total of56 animal science and veterinary students and 154 livestock farmers responded to the open-ended question. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Perceived challenges and opportunities for a coordinated Q fever prevention approach including human vaccination reported by the participants. RESULTS Two major themes arose in each group. Students and farmers viewed Q fever vaccination as important. However, excessive cost for students was a barrier and for farmers, it was general practitioners' lack of knowledge of Q fever and access to an accredited immunisation provider. Similarly, both groups highlighted the need for education and increasing public and community awareness of Q fever. CONCLUSION Our findings underscore that a sector-wide approach involving community awareness programmes, education and training for general practitioners, and subsidised vaccination as well as commitment from government and industry partners may contribute to reducing the burden of Q fever among at-risk populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Rezanur Rahaman
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Teresa Burgess
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Helen Marshall
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Women's and Children's Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Adriana Milazzo
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Anne-Lise Chaber
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, Roseworthy, SA, Australia
| | | | - Peng Bi
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Rahaman MR, Hodgetts K, Milazzo A, Marshall H, Chaber AL, Crabb D, Bi P. Q fever prevention in Australia: general practitioner and stakeholder perspectives on preparedness and the potential of a One Health approach. Aust N Z J Public Health 2021; 46:196-202. [PMID: 34941007 DOI: 10.1111/1753-6405.13198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine stakeholder perspectives on the factors of an effective approach to reduce Q fever risk including disease prevention, and the perceived potential benefits of a One Health framework. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with general practitioners (GPs), veterinarians, government authorities, researchers, and representatives from the farming industry. Transcripts were thematically analysed. RESULTS Six major themes were identified as key factors underpinning an effective approach to Q fever: understanding Q fever burden; effective surveillance; the role of general practitioners and other stakeholders; barriers and enablers of vaccination; an integrated approach; and increased Q fever awareness. Most participants perceived GPs to play a central role in disease detection, notification, treatment and prevention through health promotion and vaccination, despite GPs acknowledging limited awareness of Q fever. Participants suggested leadership is required from the Department of Health (DoH) to foster inter-sectoral communication and collaboration. CONCLUSIONS A One Health approach holds opportunities for zoonosis prevention. We recommend that medical curricula and professional development be enhanced, zoonosis working group networks strengthened, government-industry partnerships established, and relevant stakeholders included within an integrated program. Implications for public health: Updating medical curricula, GP professional development programs and inter-sectoral collaboration led by health departments may reduce Q fever burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md R Rahaman
- National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Research School of Population Health, The Australian National University, Australian Capital Territory.,School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, South Australia
| | | | - Adriana Milazzo
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Helen Marshall
- Adelaide Medical School and Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, South Australia.,Women's and Children's Health Network, South Australia
| | - Anne-Lise Chaber
- School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, The University of Adelaide, South Australia
| | | | - Peng Bi
- School of Public Health, The University of Adelaide, South Australia
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