Q Fever

A vaccine for Q fever isnt available in the UK, so the best way to avoid theinfection is to reduce your exposure to potentially infected material.

If you work with animals, you should:

• wash your hands thoroughly and regularly
• clean new wounds immediately and cover any existing wounds
• wear appropriate protective clothing, such as waterproof gloves and goggles
• avoid eating in potentially contaminated areas
• ensureall animal birth products are disposed of properly

You can also reduce your risk of getting Q fever byavoiding unpasteurised milk and dairy products, and by not touching anything that may have been in contact with animal blood, poo or urine.

Pregnant women should avoidcontact with sheep and lambs during lambing season (January to April) in particular, and should avoid handling clothing, boots and other items that have come into contact with ewes or lambs.

Further information:

• Why should pregnant women avoid sheep during the lambing season?
• What infections can animals pass to people?
• How can I avoid catching an infection from an animal?