SPEAKER: Stephanie Maloney, Companion Animals

TITLE: Prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in a feline population on Prince Edward Island

SUMMARY

Coxiella burnetii is the causative organism in the development of Q fever, a rickettsial infection often seen in ruminants and cats. Clinical signs in animals most commonly present as abortion and stillbirths. This disease is of importance due to its zoonotic potential, and spread occurs via ticks and exposure to bodily fluids from affected animals.  However, a study of human Q fever in Nova Scotia demonstrated that exposure to infected stillborn kittens was most common route of infection. For this seminar, we will discuss research aiming to confirm presence of Coxiella burnetii in the feline population on Prince Edward Island. Background information on transmission, pathogenesis, and treatment of Q fever will also be reviewed.