Issue Date:  -  Wednesday, 20 July 2005

Reminder on Q fever vaccinations

Workers in the livestock industry and other occupations that involve handling animals have been reminded that they may need to be vaccinated against the potentially deadly disease Q Fever.

All workers in high-risk industries need to be screened, and must be vaccinated if they are not immune to the disease.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today that a number of Q Fever infections had recently been reported, and a reminder was required.

“There have recently been reports of Q Fever infections in abattoir workers, dairy farmers and shearing contractors, and WorkSafe inspectors will be conducting compliance checks in the high-risk industries,” Ms Lyhne said.

Q Fever is a zoonosis (a disease that can be transmitted from animals to humans) that can lead to hospitalisation and even death.

The employees most at risk are abattoir workers, farmers, shearers, tanners and stock transport workers, as well as veterinarians and zoo employees.

The disease is most frequently transmitted via inhalation of airborne bacteria and – less commonly – through direct contact with infected animals and materials.

Symptoms can appear similar to the flu, including high fever, profuse sweating, extreme fatigue and muscle and joint pain.

A percentage of cases lead to the highly incapacitating post-Q Fever Fatigue Syndrome, which has been known to last for several years.

The screening process and vaccine are readily available from specifically trained medical practitioners, listed on the Australian Q Fever Register website at www.qfever.org.

At-risk workers are provided with a zoonosis card that should be carried to prove either that they have been vaccinated or are immune to Q Fever.

“Employers have a duty of care under the occupational safety and health legislation to provide employees with a safe working environment,” Ms Lyhne said.

“This includes protecting employees from potentially deadly diseases by ensuring vaccination is carried out if appropriate and ensuring that a Q Fever card is provided to employees.

“WorkSafe inspectors in regional areas will soon be conducting an inspection project to check that employees in high-risk areas such as abattoirs, shearers, livestock transporters and pastoral station workers have been screened.

“Q Fever can kill, so I urge both employers and employees in high risk industries to ensure all at-risk workers are screened for immunity and vaccinated if not immune.”

Further information on Q Fever and other zoonoses can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9328 8777, or on the website at www.safetyline.wa.gov.au.