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Investigation of a Q Fever Outbreak in a Scottish Co‐Located Slaughterhouse and Cutting Plant
Author(s) -
Wilson L. E.,
Couper S.,
Prempeh H.,
Young D.,
Pollock K. G. J.,
Stewart W. C.,
Browning L. M.,
Donaghy M.
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
zoonoses and public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.87
H-Index - 65
eISSN - 1863-2378
pISSN - 1863-1959
DOI - 10.1111/j.1863-2378.2009.01251.x
Subject(s) - outbreak , veterinary medicine , environmental health , q fever , medicine , public health , vaccination , geography , demography , virology , sociology , nursing
Summary Outbreaks of Q fever are rare in the UK. In 2006, the largest outbreak of Q fever in Scotland occurred at a co‐located slaughterhouse and cutting plant with 110 cases. Preliminary investigations pointed to the sheep lairage being the potential source of exposure to the infective agent. A retrospective cohort study was carried out among workers along with environmental sampling to guide public health interventions. A total of 179 individuals were interviewed of whom 66 (37%) were migrant workers. Seventy‐five (41.9%) were serologically confirmed cases. Passing through a walkway situated next to the sheep lairage, a nearby stores area, and being male were independently associated with being serologically positive for Q fever. The large proportion of migrant workers infected presented a significant logistical problem during outbreak investigation and follow up. The topic of vaccination against Q fever for slaughterhouse workers is contentious out with Australasia, but this outbreak highlights important occupational health issues.