First serologic survey of Q fever in free-range yaks in China

• Published in: Iranian journal of veterinary research Vol. 16; no. 2; pp. 210 - 212
• Main Authors: Yin, M Y, Tan, Q D, Qin, S Y, Hu, L Y, Liu, G H, Zhou, D H, Zhu, X Q
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Iran School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shiraz 2015
• Subjects: Short Paper; Yaks; Coxiella burnetii; China; Seroprevalence
• ISSN: 1728-1997; 2252-0589

The objective of the present investigation was to determine the seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii infection in free-range yaks in China. A total of 552 serum samples were collected from yaks in Gansu province, northwest China between April 2013 and January 2014, and antibodies against C. burnetii were evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Overall, 13.59% (75/552, 95% CI: 10.73-16.45) of the examined animals were positive for C. burnetii antibodies. There was no significant difference in C. burnetii seroprevalence between female yaks (13.78%, 95% CI: 10.36-17.19) and male yaks (13.13%, 95% CI: 7.89-18.36) (P>0.05). Coxiella burnetii seroprevalence in yaks in different age groups ranged from 10.88% to 15.26%, but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Coxiella burnetii seroprevalence in yaks sampled in different seasons ranged from 12.06% (autumn) to 18.33% (summer), but the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). This is the first report of C. burnetii seroprevalence in free-range yaks in China, indicating the need for measures to be taken to control C. burnetii infection in free-range yaks in China.