Correct. The abortion outbreak on Mrs Capricorn’s farm has the potential to put humans at risk of Q fever infection. Exposure can be via contact with the goats, particularly the aborting does or the aborted material for those working directly on the farm. But Q fever exposure can be more widespread than this, mainly due to C. burnetii’s environmental survival and the prospect of exposure via contaminated materials and the wind. For a good take on how serious human exposure to Q fever can be as a result of livestock cases, have a look at the information that came out of the large goat and human outbreak that occurred in the Netherlands.

Incorrect, you need to advise Mrs Capricorn that the outbreak on her farm has the potential to put humans at risk of Q fever infection. Exposure can be via contact with the goats, particularly the aborting does or the aborted material for those working directly on the farm. But Q fever exposure can be more widespread than this, mainly due to burnetii’s environmental survival and the prospect of exposure via contaminated materials and the wind. For a good take on how serious human exposure to Q fever can be as a result of livestock cases, have a look at the information that came out of the large goat and human outbreak that occurred in the Netherlands.

Correct. It is well established that Coxiella burnetii is excreted in milk from infected animals, including goats. Although there is debate as to the importance of the gastroenteric route for human infection, there have been documented cases of milk-borne infection. Therefore, it does constitute a zoonotic risk for those exposed. As a veterinarian, you are obliged to advise clients of such risks.

Incorrect. This is not the best course of action. It is well established that Coxiella burnetii is excreted in milk from infected animals, including goats. Although there is debate as to the importance of the gastroenteric route for human infection, there have been documented cases of milk-borne infection. Therefore, it does constitute a zoonotic risk for those exposed. As a veterinarian, you are obliged to advise clients of such risks.

Incorrect. No is the correct answer, but it’s complicated. It is a legal requirement in all Australian states and territories for cows’ milk to be pasteurised before sale. However, it is legal to sell raw goat’s milk in Queensland. Milk production at the farm and processing level is regulated. Ultimately, it must comply with the national Food Standards Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Goats’ milk is exempt from this in Queensland, but must comply with a registered dairy scheme. Such a scheme must include strict requirements for testing, appropriate recall procedures, and labelling. The latter must include the clear statement 'Caution— This milk is an unpasteurised product and may contain organisms that could be injurious to health'. Beyond the Q fever risk, raw milk also contains a range of other pathogens that constitute a public health risk. Failure to sell goats’ milk within these requirements would place Mrs. Capricorn at risk of breaching the Food Production (Safety) Act 2000 and the Food Act 2006, as well as noncompliance with the Food Standards Code. Further information is available at the Queensland Health Raw Milk fact sheet (MS Word) and the Raw Goat Milk Risk Assessment of Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (PDF download).

Correct. No is the correct answer, but it’s complicated. It is a legal requirement in all Australian states and territories for cows’ milk to be pasteurised before sale. However, it is legal to sell raw goat’s milk in Queensland. Milk production at the farm and processing level is regulated. Ultimately, it must comply with the national Food Standards Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code. Goats’ milk is exempt from this in Queensland, but must comply with a registered dairy scheme. Such a scheme must include strict requirements for testing, appropriate recall procedures, and labelling. The latter must include the clear statement 'Caution— This milk is an unpasteurised product and may contain organisms that could be injurious to health'. Beyond the Q fever risk, raw milk also contains a range of other pathogens that constitute a public health risk. Failure to sell goats’ milk within these requirements would place Mrs. Capricorn at risk of breaching the Food Production (Safety) Act 2000 and the Food Act 2006, as well as noncompliance with the Food Standards Code. Further information is available at the Queensland Health Raw Milk fact sheet (MS Word) and the Raw Goat Milk Risk Assessment of Food Standards Australia and New Zealand (PDF download).

Incorrect. Pasteurisation is a well-established food technology that is effective in reducing the foodborne risk for a range of infective agents. The time-temperature combination in current use by milk processors is effective in reducing the risk of (although not necessarily completely eliminating) Coxiella burnetii. However, there must be the necessary quality assurance in place to ensure that the correct process is being applied.

Correct. Pasteurisation is a well-established food technology that is effective in reducing the foodborne risk for a range of infective agents. The time-temperature combination in current use by milk processors is effective in reducing the risk of (although not necessarily completely eliminating) Coxiella burnetii. However, there must be the necessary quality assurance in place to ensure that the correct process is being applied.

Both options are correct. It is legal to make and sell cheeses made from unpasteurised milk, but again, it’s complicated. The processes that occur during cheese-making (specifically, heat effects, changes in pH and water activity) can reduce pathogen loads in raw milk to create a sufficiently safe final product. However, there are lots of variables, the main ones being how soft vs hard the cheese is, and the initial pathogen load in the raw milk supplied. Mrs. Capricorn would need to be advised by food safety and milk processing experts as to if the Q fever outbreak on her farm constitutes a significant food-borne hazard with respect to cheese production. For full details, go here.

Both options are correct. It is legal to make and sell cheeses made from unpasteurised milk, but again, it’s complicated. The processes that occur during cheese-making (specifically, heat effects, changes in pH and water activity) can reduce pathogen loads in raw milk to create a sufficiently safe final product. However, there are lots of variables, the main ones being how soft vs hard the cheese is, and the initial pathogen load in the raw milk supplied. Mrs. Capricorn would need to be advised by food safety and milk processing experts as to if the Q fever outbreak on her farm constitutes a significant food-borne hazard with respect to cheese production. For full details, go here.