Farmers’ knowledge of Q fever and prevention approaches in New South Wales

Objective To identify what New South Wales ( NSW ) farmers know about Q fever to inform preventive approaches. Design Thematic analysis of qualitative data gathered through semi‐structured individual interviews, focus groups and a community meeting. Setting Rural communities in NSW , Australia. Participants A total of 25 farmers participated in individual interviews ( n = 4) or three focus groups, each with seven participants ( n = 21). A further 27 persons, were involved in a community meeting. Main outcome measures Themes derived from the interviews, focus groups and community meeting. Results Knowledge variations regarding Q fever risk and transmission highlight a need for improved risk communication. Vaccination was viewed as the preferred prevention approach; barriers were raised including time, costs, access to screening/vaccination and General Practitioner ( GP ) knowledge about Q fever. Local vaccination initiatives were supported. Conclusions Strengthening existing GP knowledge and services leading to expanded provision of screening/vaccination could improve the coverage of Q fever vaccine in endemic NSW farming and rural communities.