A Committee of Experts Assembled to Strengthen the Fight Against Q Fever
Q Fever is a widespread zoonosis affecting ruminant farms across Europe. Studies indicate that more than half dairy cattle herds and approximately 30% of small ruminant herds in Europe have been exposed to Coxiella burnetii, the bacterium responsible for the disease. The primary mode of infection for both animals and humans is through inhalation of infected dust particles. The bacteria are highly resistant and capable of traveling several kilometers with the wind.
The persistence of this infection poses significant risks to animal health, herd performance, and public health. In livestock, Q Fever is commonly associated with abortion storms, reproductive issues, and neonatal mortality. In humans, numerous cluster cases have been reported across Europe. The 2009 outbreak in the Netherlands, which resulted in over 3,000 hospitalizations, serves as a stark reminder of the potential severity of this disease.
Establishing a European Q Fever Committee to Reinforce Collective Action
Despite ongoing research and control efforts, leading experts recognize persistent challenges in managing Q Fever. These include a lack of awareness among stakeholders, probable underestimation of disease prevalence due to gaps in diagnostic capabilities for both animals and humans, and inconsistencies in disease control measures across countries.
To address these issues, a multidisciplinary European Q Fever Committee has been formed, chaired by Professor Raphaël Guatteo and Professor George Valiakos. The committee brings together veterinary and human health professionals, researchers, and diagnostic laboratory representatives to enhance disease knowledge, improve diagnostic and control strategies, and foster collaboration among all stakeholders, including veterinarians, farmers, healthcare professionals, and relevant organizations.
Members of the European Q Fever Committee:
Prof. Raphaël Guatteo (France), Veterinarian, Professor of Bovine Medicine at Oniris, and Epidemiology Researcher
Prof. George Valiakos (Greece), Veterinarian, Associate Professor of Bacteriology and Bacterial Diseases of Animals at University of Thessaly
Dra. Alda Natale (Italy), Veterinarian, diagnostic laboratory coordinator at the Instituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale delle Venezie Legnaro
Daniel Cifo Arcos (Spain), Human Doctor, Medical Intern Resident of Public Health at the Spanish Public Health School at Instituto de Salud Carlos III
Laurent Delooz (Belgium), Veterinarian, Manager of the health administration service of ARSIA
Jonathan Statham (United Kingdom), Chief Executive at RAFT Solutions Ltd and Chair & Partner in Bishopton Veterinary Group
Sławomir Koźmiński (Poland), Veterinarian, cofounder and member of the group of veterinarians Bovi Vet Service
Ángel Gómez Martín (Spain), Veterinarian, principal investigator at the CEU Cardenal Herrera University of Valencia
Piet Vellema (Netherlands), Veterinarian, Specialist in Small Ruminant Health Care and consultan at Respinge.
Thomas Wittek (Austria), Veterinarian, Professor at Veterinary Faculty of Vienna, Austria.
Vincent Dedet (France), Veterinarian, Journalist at Auzalide Santé Animale
Objectives and Initial Actions of the Q Fever Committee
The committee aims to consolidate knowledge, raise awareness among key professional groups, and provide harmonized recommendations for diagnosing and managing Q Fever more effectively. Its initial activities for 2025 will include:
- Conducting the first European-wide survey on the perception and management practices of Q Fever, gathering insights from veterinarians, farmers, and rural healthcare professionals. The results will be published in middle 2025.
- Developing targeted educational materials to improve disease surveillance and control measures, which will be disseminated through professional networks and organizations.
With this initiative, the European Q Fever Committee is committed to strengthening the fight against Q Fever through enhanced knowledge, collaboration, and practical solutions for disease management across the continent.