ABSTRACT
The objective of the present investigation was to determine the seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection in free-range yaks in China. A total of 552 serum samples were collected from yaks in Gansu province, northwest China between April 2013 and January 2014, and antibodies against C. burnetii were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]. Overall, 13.59% [75/552, 95% CI: 10.73-16.45] of the examined animals were positive for C. burnetii antibodies. There was no significant difference in C. burnetii seroprevalence between female yaks [13.78%, 95% CI: 10.36-17.19] and male yaks [13.13%, 95% CI: 7.89-18.36] [P>0.05]. Coxiella burnetii seroprevalence in yaks in different age groups ranged from 10.88% to 15.26%, but the difference was not statistically significant [P>0.05]. Coxiella burnetii seroprevalence in yaks sampled in different seasons ranged from 12.06% [autumn] to 18.33% [summer], but the difference was not statistically significant [P>0.05]. This is the first report of C. burnetii seroprevalence in free-range yaks in China, indicating the need for measures to be taken to control C. burnetii infection in free-range yaks in China