What is the most common clinical finding in livestock in areas where C. burnetii is suspected or endemic?

The most common clinical finding in livestock in areas where Coxiella burnetii is suspected or endemic is spontaneous abortions in livestock. C. burnetii is the causative agent of Q fever, which is known to significantly affect reproductive health in animals, especially in sheep, goats, and cattle.

Infected animals often experience reproductive issues, with spontaneous abortions occurring during the later stages of pregnancy. This is particularly noteworthy because it can lead to significant economic losses in farming due to reduced offspring and the potential spread of the infection within herds. The bacterium primarily resides in the placenta and uterine fluids, which poses risks not only for the pregnant animals but also for humans who may come into contact with these materials.

While respiratory distress, weight loss, and fever with lethargy can also be associated with various infectious diseases in livestock, they are not as definitive or commonly reported as spontaneous abortions in the context of C. burnetii infection. Spontaneous abortions are a hallmark clinical sign that indicates the presence of this pathogen in endemic regions, making it the focal point of concern for livestock health in those areas.