Q fever outbreak in the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, Switzerland

A Q fever outbreak linked to sheep in the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, Switzerland, was identified through epidemiological investigations and veterinary testing. The study found that 43% of sheep carried Coxiella burnetii, while 30% exhibited anti-Coxiella antibodies, highlighting a significant zoonotic risk. Mitigation measures, including flock vaccination and public health alerts, successfully limited the outbreak to 14 human cases, preventing a larger epidemic. The research underscores the importance of surveillance in low-endemicity regions, leading to the reintroduction of mandatory Q fever reporting in Switzerland.

Bellini, C., Magouras, I., Chapuis-Taillard, C., Clerc, O., Masserey, E., Peduto, G., Péter, O., Schaerrer, S., Schuepbach, G., & Greub, G. (2014). Q fever outbreak in the terraced vineyards of Lavaux, Switzerland. New Microbes and New Infections, n. https://doi.org/10.1002/2052-2975.37