The primary source is an infected animal:
(1) farm animals (cattle, goats, sheep)
(2) pets (cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs)
(3) rodents (rats, mice, others)
(4) birds (pigeons, chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys)
Common routes of spread:
(1) unpasteurized milk or cheese
(2) aerosols associated with handling wool or other animals products
(3) aerosols or animal fluids associated with delivery of pregnant animals or handling of placentas, newborns or an abortus
(4) raw eggs
Less common modes of spread
(1) traumatic injury or intradermal injection
(2) blood transfusion
(3) organ transplantation
(4) tick or insect bite
(5) sexual intercourse with a person with Q fever
(6) transplacental with neonatal disease
Persons at risk:
(1) verterinarians
(2) farmers
(3) slaughterhouse workers and meat handlers
(4) pet handlers
(5) laboratory animal handlers
