Pathogens in Milk | Coxiella burnetii

Infected ruminants are in general supposed to be the most important source of human Q fever. They shed Coxiella burnetii with all secretions and excretions. Human infections due to consumption of raw milk are probably of minor significance. Outbreaks originate mainly from C. burnetii contaminated abortions or birth products of small ruminants. The main route of infection is by dust and aerosols. Certain tick species shedding the bacterium in feces may regionally account for human infections.