Home » Diseases » In dogs » Q Fever, Coxiellosis (Bacterial Infection with Coxiella Species)

Q Fever, Coxiellosis (Bacterial Infection with Coxiella Species) in Dogs

Occurrence: rarer
Location of illness: General/Whole body

Author: Dr. med. vet. Gisa Löwe | Last modified: 06.11.2025

Q fever, also known as Coxiellosis, is an infectiousInfectious describes the ability of a pathogen to be transmitted from one individual to another and trigger an infection. It also refers to diseases caused by such pathogens. disease caused by bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. of the genus Coxiella. It is mainly caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii and can affect both animals and humans.

The most important facts at a glance

Q-Fever, also known as Coxiellosis, is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. This resistantResistant means being insensitive to a substance, drug, or treatment. In dogs and cats, resistance can refer to the ineffectiveness of antibiotics against certain bacterial strains or the insensitivity of parasites to certain pesticides. bacterium survives in extreme environmental conditions and is mainly spread by infected livestock such as cattle, sheep and goats. Dogs can become infected through direct contact with contaminatedContaminated describes something that has been polluted by harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or other dangerous substances. In veterinary medicine, this can affect food, water, toys, or the environment. material, such as placentaThe placenta is an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and provides the fetus with oxygen and nutrients via the umbilical cord. It also serves as a barrier to some infectious agents. or excretions from infected animals. Consumption of contaminatedContaminated describes something that has been polluted by harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or other dangerous substances. In veterinary medicine, this can affect food, water, toys, or the environment. meat and tick bites are also transmission routes. Symptoms in dogs include Fever, weakness, loss of appetite and, in rare cases, neurological disorders or Miscarriage. Clinical examinations and laboratory tests such as serological tests and PCR tests are used for diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients.. Treatment is mainly with the antibiotic doxycycline. A full recovery is possible with early treatment, but relapses or chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. infections cannot be ruled out. PreventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. measures include minimizing exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. to sources of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. and regular tick prophylaxisProphylaxis refers to preventive measures taken to avoid diseases or health problems. In veterinary medicine, this can include vaccinations, regular deworming, and other preventive treatments.. Although a vaccineA vaccine is a substance that stimulates the immune system to develop immunity against specific pathogens without causing the disease itself. Vaccines may contain weakened or inactivated pathogens, toxoids, or recombinant antigens. for dogs is not available, hygiene measures can reduce the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. Research on Q-Fever in dogs is still limited, but there is a growing interest in their role as potential carriers of the pathogenA pathogen is a microorganism or virus that can cause disease in its host. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites.. Advances in diagnostics and preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. could not only improve the understanding of the disease in dogs, but also protect human health.

Causes

Coxiella burnetii is an obligate intracellular bacterium that is extremely robust in the environment. It can survive under extreme conditions and is mainly spread by infected animals. The bacterium is commonly found in farm livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats, which serve as the main reservoir.

Transmission to dogs often occurs through direct contact with contaminatedContaminated describes something that has been polluted by harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or other dangerous substances. In veterinary medicine, this can affect food, water, toys, or the environment. material such as obstetrical supplies, placentaThe placenta is an organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and provides the fetus with oxygen and nutrients via the umbilical cord. It also serves as a barrier to some infectious agents., or infected excretions from farm and wild animals. Consumption of contaminatedContaminated describes something that has been polluted by harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or other dangerous substances. In veterinary medicine, this can affect food, water, toys, or the environment. meat or inhalationInhalation is the act of breathing air or other substances into the lungs through the nose or mouth. In dogs and cats, inhalation of toxins, smoke, or allergens can lead to respiratory problems. of dust from infected animal areas can also lead to infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

Another possible route of transmission is through the bite of infected ticks, which also serve as vectors for Coxiella burnetii. The bacterium can survive for a long time in the environment, which increases the risk of exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats., especially in rural or agricultural areas.

Symptoms

Very common symptoms:

Common symptoms:

Rare symptoms:

In dogs, infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. with Coxiella burnetii can vary, with many dogs remaining asymptomaticAsymptomatic means that there are no recognizable symptoms of a disease. An animal can have a disease or infection without showing visible signs, which can make diagnosis and treatment more difficult.. If symptoms occur, they are often non-specific and can be difficult to recognize.

The most common symptoms include Fever, lethargy, and loss of appetite. In some cases, respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. diseases such as cough or respiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress may also occur. Rarer symptoms may include Vomiting, DiarrheaDiarrhea refers to the condition of frequent, watery bowel movements, which can be a sign of infections, digestive disorders, or other health problems., or neurological signs such as Convulsions.

Since the symptoms are very general, Q fever can easily be confused with other diseases, which makes diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. difficult. An accurate anamnesis and diagnostic tests are required to confirm the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

Diagnosis

The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. of Q fever in dogs requires a combination of clinical examination, anamnesis, and specific diagnostic tests. A veterinarian will first assess the symptoms and ask about possible sources of exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats..

Laboratory tests are crucial to confirm the diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients.. Serological tests that detect antibodies against Coxiella burnetii are commonly used methods. However, these tests often only show a positive reaction after a few weeks, when the dog has already formed antibodies.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests can directly detect the genetic material of the bacterium and are a faster method for diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients.. However, these tests require specialized laboratory facilities and are not available everywhere.

In some cases, a culture of the pathogenA pathogen is a microorganism or virus that can cause disease in its host. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. from blood or other body fluids can also be attempted, although this is difficult and time-consuming due to the special nutrient media and conditions that Coxiella burnetii requires.

Therapy

The treatment of Q fever in dogs is mainly based on the use of antibiotics. Doxycycline is the drug of choice and is usually administered for a period of at least two weeks. It is important to complete the entire course of antibiotics to ensure that all bacteriaBacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms that exist in almost every environment on Earth. Some types of bacteria are beneficial or even essential to life, while others can cause disease. are killed.

In severe cases or in dogs with complications, a longer treatment may be necessary. SupportiveSupportive refers to supportive treatments that aim to alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life without directly treating the underlying cause of the disease. care, such as fluid therapyTherapy refers to the treatment of diseases or disorders with the aim of alleviating symptoms, promoting healing, or improving quality of life. Therapies can be medicinal, surgical, or through other medical interventions. and nutritional support, may also be necessary to promote the recovery process.

Since Coxiella burnetii is a zoonotic pathogenA pathogen is a microorganism or virus that can cause disease in its host. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites., precautions must be taken during treatment to prevent transmission to humans. This includes wearing protective clothing and properly disposing of contaminatedContaminated describes something that has been polluted by harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or other dangerous substances. In veterinary medicine, this can affect food, water, toys, or the environment. material.

Prognosis and follow-up care

The prognosis for dogs with Q fever is generally good, especially if the disease is detected and treated early. Most dogs respond well to antibiotics and recover completely.

However, some dogs may experience relapses or a chronicChronic refers to a condition or disease that is long-lasting or permanent. Chronic diseases often develop slowly and can lead to persistent or recurring health problems over time. infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. that requires prolonged or repeated treatment. In rare cases, complications such as endocarditisEndocarditis is an inflammation of the heart's inner lining, the endocardium, often caused by a bacterial infection. It can damage heart valves and is a serious condition requiring immediate medical treatment. can occur, which worsen the prognosis.

Regular follow-up and monitoring are important to ensure that the infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. is completely eliminated and that no long-term health problems occur.

Prevention

The preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. of Q fever in dogs focuses on minimizing exposureExposure refers to the Contact with or subjection to certain substances, environmental factors, or pathogens. In veterinary medicine, this can include Contact with toxins, allergens, or infectious agents that can cause health problems in dogs and cats. to potential sources of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. Dogs should be kept away from farm animals and their excretions, especially during birth, when the risk of transmission is highest.

Regular tick prophylaxisProphylaxis refers to preventive measures taken to avoid diseases or health problems. In veterinary medicine, this can include vaccinations, regular deworming, and other preventive treatments. is also crucial, as ticks can serve as vectors for Coxiella burnetii. This can be achieved through the use of tick repellents and regular checks of the coat.

In areas with a high risk of Q fever, pet owners and farmers should take measures to minimize environmental contaminationContamination refers to the pollution of surfaces, objects, water, food, or air with harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or other hazardous substances., such as the proper disposal of animal waste and the control of dust emissions.

Although there is currently no vaccineA vaccine is a substance that stimulates the immune system to develop immunity against specific pathogens without causing the disease itself. Vaccines may contain weakened or inactivated pathogens, toxoids, or recombinant antigens. available for dogs against Q fever, general hygiene measures and safety precautions can significantly reduce the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

Outlook on current research

Q fever, also known as Coxiellosis, is caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. This disease is primarily known for humans, but also affects various animal species, including dogs. Research on Q fever in dogs is still relatively limited, as the disease is less frequently diagnosed in them than in other animals such as cattle or sheep. Nevertheless, there is increasing interest in the role of dogs as potential carriers and transmitters of the pathogenA pathogen is a microorganism or virus that can cause disease in its host. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites..

Current research focuses on determining the prevalence of Coxiella burnetii in dogs and better understanding how dogs can serve as a reservoir for the bacterium. Some studies examine the antibodyAn antibody is a protein produced by the immune system to recognize and bind specific antigens. By binding to the antigen, antibodies can help destroy or neutralize it. presence in dogs in different regions to better understand the spread of the disease. The results of these studies could help to develop better preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. strategies and reduce the risk for humans, especially for pet owners and veterinarians.

Another focus of research is on the development of new diagnostic methods. Traditional diagnostic procedures, such as serological tests, have certain limitations, especially in the early phase of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease.. Researchers are working to develop more sensitive and specific diagnostic tests that allow early detection of the disease. Molecular diagnostics, including PCR technology, is considered a promising approach.

An additional area of research is the investigation of the transmission routes of Coxiella burnetii. While it is known that the bacterium can be spread via aerosols, the role of dogs as intermediate hosts remains unclear. Studies are investigating how dogs absorb and pass on the bacterium, and which factors influence the probability of transmission.

Finally, there is also research on therapeutic approaches. The treatment of Q fever in dogs is challenging because not all antibiotics are effective. Scientists are currently investigating various antibiotic regimens to identify the most effective treatment strategies. At the same time, work is being done on the development of vaccines that could protect both animals and humans from infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..

The role of environmental factors is also being investigated. Researchers are trying to find out how climatic conditions, geographical differences, and animal husbandry practices influence the spread of Coxiella burnetii. This information could help to carry out regional risk assessments and develop tailored preventionPrevention includes measures taken to prevent diseases or injuries. In veterinary medicine, this includes vaccinations, parasite control, and health monitoring. measures.

Overall, research on Q fever in dogs is still emerging, but it is gaining increasing importance. Advances in this area could not only improve the understanding of the disease in dogs, but also provide valuable insights for the protectionProtection refers to safeguarding against diseases or harm. In veterinary medicine, this can include protecting animals through vaccinations, the use of parasite control products, or providing a safe environment. of human health.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is Q Fever in Dogs? Q fever is a bacterial infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease. caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii. Although dogs are less frequently affected, they can still act as carriers of the pathogenA pathogen is a microorganism or virus that can cause disease in its host. Pathogens include bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites..
How is Q Fever Transmitted in Dogs? Transmission occurs mainly through contact with infected material such as feces, urine, or obstetrical remnants. Dogs can also absorb the bacterium through the inhalationInhalation is the act of breathing air or other substances into the lungs through the nose or mouth. In dogs and cats, inhalation of toxins, smoke, or allergens can lead to respiratory problems. of contaminatedContaminated describes something that has been polluted by harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or other dangerous substances. In veterinary medicine, this can affect food, water, toys, or the environment. aerosols.
What Symptoms Do Dogs with Q Fever Show? Many dogs show no specific symptoms. However, some may experience Fever, lethargy, or anorexiaAnorexia describes the loss of appetite or the lack of desire to eat. Although often associated with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder, anorexia can also be caused by other medical and psychological factors.. In severe cases, RespiratoryRespiratory refers to breathing or the process of breathing. Respiratory diseases affect the respiratory tract and can impair the ability to breathe effectively. distress or liver problems may occur.
How is Q Fever Diagnosed in Dogs? The diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. is often made through serological tests that detect antibodies against Coxiella burnetii. Molecular methods such as PCR can also be used.
Is Q Fever Treatable in Dogs? Yes, Q fever can be treated with antibiotics, with doxycycline often being the drug of choice. However, treatment should be monitored by a veterinarian.
Can Humans Get Q Fever from Dogs? Yes, humans can become infected through contact with infected dogs, especially through handling contaminatedContaminated describes something that has been polluted by harmful microorganisms, chemicals, or other dangerous substances. In veterinary medicine, this can affect food, water, toys, or the environment. material or through inhalationInhalation is the act of breathing air or other substances into the lungs through the nose or mouth. In dogs and cats, inhalation of toxins, smoke, or allergens can lead to respiratory problems. of aerosols.
How Can I Protect My Pet from Q Fever? Regular veterinary examinations, good hygiene practices, and avoiding contact with potentially infected material are important measures to minimize the risk of infectionAn infection is the colonization and multiplication of pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites in an organism, which often, but not always, leads to a disease..
Is There a VaccinationVaccination is the process of administering a vaccine to develop immunity against a specific infectious disease. It is one of the most effective methods of prevention of infectious diseases. for Dogs Against Q Fever? Currently, there is no approved vaccineA vaccine is a substance that stimulates the immune system to develop immunity against specific pathogens without causing the disease itself. Vaccines may contain weakened or inactivated pathogens, toxoids, or recombinant antigens. for dogs against Q fever. However, research in this area is ongoing.
How Common is Q Fever in Dogs? The prevalence of Q fever in dogs varies by region. Studies suggest that the prevalence in dogs is generally lower than in other animal species.
What Should I Do If I Suspect My Dog Has Q Fever? If you suspect that your dog has Q fever, you should consult a veterinarian immediately. Early diagnosisA diagnosis is the identification of a disease or condition by its symptoms and/or results from diagnostic tests. It is the first step in the management and treatment of patients. and treatment are crucial to avoid complications.