Goat-associated Q fever: A new disease in Newfoundland

In the spring of 1999 in rural Newfoundland, abortions in goats were associ ated with illness in goat workers. An epidemiologic investigation and a ser ologic survey were conducted in April 1999 to determine the number of infec tions, nature of illness, and risk factors for infection. Thirty-seven perc ent of the outbreak cohort had antibody titers to phase II Coxiella burneti i antigen >1:64, suggesting recent infection. The predominant clinical mani festation of Q fever was an acute febrile illness. Independent risk factors for infection included contact with goat placenta, smoking tobacco, and ea ting cheese made from pasteurized goat milk. This outbreak raises questions about management of such outbreaks, interprovincial sale and movement of d omestic ungulates, and the need for discussion between public health practi tioners and the dairy industry on control of this highly infectious organis m.