Q fever is a worldwide zoonosis caused by Coxiella burnetii that can lead to abortion, endocarditis, and death in humans. Researchers utilizing parturient domestic ruminants, including sheep, have an increased risk of occupational exposure. This study evaluated the effectiveness of our screening protocol in eliminating C. burnetii–positive sheep from our facility. From August 2010 to May 2018, all ewes (N = 306) and select lambs (N = 272; ovis aries) were screened twice for C. burnetii utilizing a serum Phase I and Phase II antibody immunofluorescence assay (IFA). The first screen was performed by the vendor prior to breeding, and the second screen was performed on arrival to the research facility. Ewes that were positive on arrival screening were quarantined and retested using repeat IFA serology, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, buffy coat polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and amniotic fluid PCR. The overall individual seroprevalence of C. burnetii in the flocks tested by the vendor was 14.2%. Ewes with negative Phase I and Phase II IFA results were selected for transport to the research facility. Upon arrival to the facility, two (0.7%) ewes had positive Phase I IFA results. Repeat testing demonstrated seropositivity in one of these two ewes, though amniotic fluid PCR was negative in both. The repeat seropositive ewe was euthanized prior to use in a research protocol. No Q fever was reported among husbandry, laboratory or veterinary staff during the study period. Serologic testing for C. burnetii with IFA prior to transport and following arrival to a research facility limits potential exposure to research staff.

Q 热是一种由伯内氏 Coxiellaburnetii引起的世界性人畜共患病，可导致人类流产、心内膜炎和死亡。研究人员使用产后的家养反刍动物，包括绵羊，职业暴露的风险增加。本研究评估了我们的筛选方案在从我们的设施中消除C.burnetii阳性绵羊方面的有效性。从2010年8月2018年5月，所有母羊（Ñ = 306），并选择羔羊（Ñ = 272;绵羊白羊），用于进行筛选两次贝氏柯克斯利用血清 I 期和 II 期抗体免疫荧光测定 (IFA)。第一次筛选由供应商在育种前进行，第二次筛选在到达研究机构后进行。使用重复 IFA 血清学、酶联免疫吸附测定、血沉棕黄层聚合酶链反应 (PCR) 和羊水 PCR 对抵达筛查呈阳性的母羊进行隔离和重新检测。总体个体血清阳性率贝氏柯克斯在供应商测试的鸡群中为 14.2%。选择第一阶段和第二阶段 IFA 结果为阴性的母羊运送到研究设施。抵达该设施后，两只 (0.7%) 母羊的 I 期 IFA 结果呈阳性。重复测试证明这两只母羊之一的血清阳性，尽管羊水 PCR 在两只母羊中都是阴性的。重复血清阳性母羊在用于研究方案之前被安乐死。在研究期间，畜牧业、实验室或兽医工作人员没有报告 Q 热。在运输之前和到达研究机构之后，使用 IFA对C.burnetii进行血清学检测限制了研究人员的潜在接触。