Coxiella burnetii has been found in the foetal fluids, vaginal mucous, semen, milk, urine and faeces of many domestic and wild animals (Maurin & Raoult, 1999; Arricau-Bouvery & Radolakis, 2005, Van der Brom, 2015). C. burnetii may be detected during normal parturition or in association with abortion events, making determination of the abortifacient potential of this organism complicated. A review by Algerholm in 2013 found that there was solid evidence for the association between C. burnetii and sporadic cases of abortion, premature delivery, the birth of weak offspring and stillbirth (APWS complex) in cattle, sheep and goats. Coxiellosis remains an infrequent diagnosis in domestic ruminants. Diagnosis of C. burnetii associated abortion events should be supported by demonstrating appropriate pathology in addition to finding the organism or the animal’s exposure to the organism. Investigation of other causes of abortion should be undertaken.
