Q fever prevention: Perspectives from university animal science and veterinary students and livestock farmers.

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.

Q fever prevention in Australia: general practitioner and stakeholder perspectives on preparedness and the potential of a One Health approach.

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.

Q fever prevention and vaccination: Australian livestock farmers' knowledge and attitudes to inform a One Health approach.

BACKGROUND: Livestock farmers are at risk of Q fever, a zoonotic disease transmitted to humans from animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. Australia bears substantial Q fever burden, particularly among farmers. A One Health approach engages cross-sectoral collaboration among animal, human and environmental health and is the preferred framework for Q fever prevention. METHODS: Cattle, sheep and goat farmers were invited to participate in an online survey in 2019 to gauge perceptions about Q fever and its prevention. Participants were recruited via membership newsletters and social media. Descriptive analyses and logistic regressions were performed. RESULTS: A total of 351 farmers completed the survey. Most respondents (80%) had been farming for ≥20 years, with sheep and beef cattle their primary stock. 71% reported knowledge of Q fever, and 85% identified transmission through contaminated dust inhalation was highly likely. The majority of respondents (97%) were aware of Q fever vaccine, and 95% agreed it was effective in preventing disease, yet 42% remained unvaccinated. Reported barriers to vaccination included poor access to a trained doctor and time and cost related to vaccination. Most farmers (≥91%) believed that subsidized vaccination and improved awareness would promote higher uptake. CONCLUSION: While Q fever knowledge among respondents was good, their practices related to airborne transmission prevention were poor. Livestock farmers would benefit from adherence to dust and aerosol transmission prevention practices. One Health partnership between government and industry is needed to promote Q fever awareness and address low vaccination rates among livestock farmers by funding vaccination programs.