Query fever, also known as Q fever, is caused by Coxiella burnetii, a type of bacterium found worldwide except New Zealand. Q fever is a disease you can catch from infected farm animals, including cattle, sheep and goats. You can also catch it from infected domestic or wild animals. Infected animals often have no signs or symptoms.

A Q-Fever Policy Template is now available to download here, on the Resources page, and from the resources section of the Working with Livestock and Farm Workplace Policies page.

This policy aims to:

1. Educate employees and other on-farm personnel (e.g.: Contractors, Service providers) about Q fever, its transmission, symptoms, and prevention methods.
2. Implement measures to reduce the risk of Q fever exposure within our facilities or operational areas.
3. Facilitate prompt identification, reporting, and management of suspected or confirmed cases of Q fever.
4. Comply with all relevant health and safety regulations and guidelines related to Q fever prevention and control.

This policy template should serve as a starting point and can be customised according to the specific requirements of your organisation.

Further guidance and Fact Sheets which you can annex to this Policy can be obtained from your relevant State-based WorkSafe organisations:

• Q fever prevention | WorkSafe Victoria
• Q fever | SafeWork NSW
• Q fever (worksafe.tas.gov.au)
• Q fever – including symptoms, treatment and prevention | SA Health
• Q fever – are you managing the risk of exposure? | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au
• Q fever | WorkSafe.qld.gov.au
• Q fever (health.wa.gov.au)

See also the Australian Q Fever Register helpline 1300 733 837