Determination of Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii Infection in Sheep from Central Anatolia, Türkiye

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Coxiella burnetii, the causative agent of Q fever, is a zoonotic pathogen that poses significant public health and veterinary concerns worldwide. This study aimed to determine the seroprevalence of C. burnetii infection in sheep raised in the Central Anatolia region of Türkiye. A total of 3,000 blood serum samples were collected from 100 sheep farms located in eight provinces (Afyonkarahisar, Aksaray, Antalya, Burdur, Isparta, Karaman, Konya, and Niğde). Samples were tested using a commercial ELISA kit (IDEXX Q fever Ab Test), and the results were interpreted according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Of the 3,000 serum samples analyzed, 279 tested positive, yielding an overall individual seroprevalence rate of 9.3%. Provincial seroprevalence varied widely, ranging from 1.5% in Antalya to 18.9% in Niğde. These differences may be associated with regional variations in animal husbandry practices, biosecurity levels, and climatic conditions. The use of ELISA, as recommended by the WOAH, provided a reliable screening method for detecting C. burnetii-specific antibodies. This study highlights the presence and regional distribution of C. burnetii infection in sheep farms in Central Anatolia. Given the zoonotic potential and often subclinical nature of the disease, regular serological monitoring is essential for disease control and prevention strategies. The findings contribute valuable data for veterinary epidemiology and public health policy development in Türkiye.