Q fever - a bacterial disease caused by Coxiella burnetii primarily affecting sheep, goats, cattle and occasionally other animals such as cats. Q fever is a zoonotic disease that can affect humans who come in contact with infected animals or their surroundings.

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What are the signs in animals? Abortions in goats and sheep are typical of Q fever. Non pregnant animals may show no signs.

What are the symptoms in humans?  Symptoms appear 2-3 weeks after inhalation or eating contaminated food or water and include fever lasting 1-2 weeks, headache, chest or stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. More serious cases of Q fever cause lung and liver infections and inflammation of the heart (endocarditis).