Serological Study on Query Fever in Camel, Sheep and Goats in Hail Region, Saudi Arabia.

Abstract

Abortion associated with unknown fever was observed in the livestock in Hail Governorate, KSA and its administratively affiliated areas: Alkhutta and Baqaa North, Ghazala region South, Shamli region West and Shanan region East. Query Fever (Q Fever) was suspected as one of the possible causes; therefore, this study was conducted to investigate presence of antibodies against Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, in animals in the area. A total of 799 serum samples from female animals were collected as follows: 203 camels, 296 sheep and 300 goats. Data on some risk factors (management system, age and breed) were recorded. A commercial indirect ELISA test kit for Q fever was used to screen the samples for specific Q. burnetii antibodies. The results showed an overall seroprevalence of Q fever as 33.4% (267 of 799) with 32% seropositivity in camels, 32.4% in sheep and 35.3% in goats. While no significant difference in seropositivity between animal species was found (p > 0.5), the type of management showed high significance (p = 0.000328). Results of this study show that Q fever is highly prevalent in farm animals in Hail region and its affiliated areas and that close management system is a risk factor.