Serological Evidence of Q Fever in Cattle and Occupational Exposure Risk Among Farm Workers in Taraba State

Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii, is a highly infectious zoonotic disease primarily transmitted from ruminants to humans and is largely underdiagnosed in Nigerian agricultural settings. This study investigated serological evidence of Q fever in cattle and assessed occupational exposure risk among farm workers in Taraba State, North East Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from 100 cattle on seven farms, and sera were tested for Coxiella burnetii antibodies using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A concurrent questionnaire was administered to 60 farm workers assessing occupational exposure, protective behaviors, and symptom history. Q fever seroprevalence in cattle was 22%, with higher rates in animals from farms that had experienced parturition-related complications. Among farm workers, 35% reported febrile episodes of unknown cause within the prior six months, and a significant proportion described exposure to parturient fluids and birth materials without protection. Awareness of Q fever as a specific disease entity was absent in the study population. The findings suggest that Q fever is likely endemic in Taraba State cattle populations and that occupational transmission to farm workers occurs without awareness. The study recommends serological surveys in both animal and human populations, health education for farm workers on birth-related infection risks, and inclusion of Q fever in Nigeria's notifiable disease framework. Keywords: Q fever, Coxiella burnetii, cattle, occupational exposure, Taraba State