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Thursday 24 July 2025
Do you have questions on Q fever?
Dr Jeff Cave, Agriculture Victoria Senior Veterinary Officer
You may have heard of reports of increased cases of Q fever in parts of Victoria in recent months and wondered, what is Q fever?
Q fever is one of several diseases that are transmissible from animals to humans. Such diseases are known as zoonotic diseases and in cases of Q fever is caused by a microorganism known as Coxiella burnetii.
Cattle, sheep and goats are the most common sources of infection in humans.
Infection generally occurs through the inhalation of infected material.
Placental material or after-birth is a particularly significant source of infection. Hence, strict hygienic practices should be followed around calving, lambing or kidding.
People may also become infected by being in contact with infected animals and their waste products, and occasionally through the ingestion of unpasteurised milk.
Therefore, people who are in regular contact with livestock such as abattoir workers, farmers, veterinarians and other people involved with handling livestock are at most risk of contracting Q fever.
The most common clinical signs of Q fever include headaches, fever and muscle pain.
This could be easily misdiagnosed as influenza. Therefore, if you are from a high-risk group and you are exhibiting flu like symptoms it is worth discussing the possibility of Q fever with your GP.
Q fever is usually treatable with the use of an appropriate antibiotic.
On occasions, Q fever sufferers can go on to develop post Q fever fatigue syndrome. Q fever can therefore be quite a debilitating condition.
A vaccination is available to prevent Q fever. If you are in a high-risk group, prevention through vaccination should be seriously considered. Similarly, if you employ staff, vaccination for Q Fever should be considered in your OH&S procedures.
For further information, for human aspects of the disease please contact your medical practitioner, and for veterinary aspects please contact your local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria animal health or extension staff, or in NSW your Local Land Services.
South-west farmer fined for animal cruelty charges
A south-west farmer, from Dreeite has been fined $75,000 and disqualified for 10 years from owning cattle or being a person in charge of cattle after pleading guilty to 23 animal cruelty charges and being sentenced at the Colac Magistrates’ Court.
Agriculture Victoria Program Manager Animal Health and Welfare Compliance, Daniel Bode said the significant offending occurred over a combination of 3 separate incidents across numerous properties in south-west Victoria, over a period of 4 years, under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.
‘This outcome is welcomed by Agriculture Victoria as this level of offending was exceptionally appalling, including multiple failures to provide proper or sufficient feed to his cattle, a failure to treat seriously ill cattle and provide appropriate management care to his stock
Mr Dare was the owner and person in charge of approximately 1,300 head of cattle on various parcels of land in the Dreeite and Nalangil regions between 2022 and 2024.
Mr Bode said many of the cattle were in extremely poor condition and emaciated from a failure to provide sufficient and appropriate feed, resulting in many cows, and in some cases calves, either recently deceased or requiring euthanasia.
During the 28 days provided by the court for Mr Dare to de-stock, Agriculture Victoria will monitor the process.
Post-mortems conducted indicated there was a failure to provide sufficient food, plus having heavy worm burdens, which led to the death of the cattle.
‘Apart from the obvious pain and suffering of the animals, animal welfare breaches can jeopardise Victoria’s reputation as a humane and responsible producer of food, which can, in turn, affect all producers and livestock owners.’
Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint in regard to livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Farm safety: from the paddock gate to the kitchen table
Many farms are homes as well as workplaces, and we all have a part to play in improving farm safety, health and wellbeing.
Agriculture Victoria Director Rural Assistance, People and Planning Clare Purcell said despite employing only 2% of working Victorians, the agriculture sector accounts for 14% of all workplace fatalities. On average, 2 people are injured on Victorian farms every day.
‘We all have a role to play in making farm safety a priority, not just for those working the land, but for everyone who lives, works and visits the farm.
‘As a part of the Farming Safe and Well program, we have spoken to experts on farm safety for a new podcast season.
‘Our latest AgVic Talk season, Farming Safe and Well, focuses on the many aspects that make up farm safety, from fatigue management, safe livestock handling, supporting youth mental health and an inclusive approach to farming with a disability.
‘The stories shared are personal and important, covering vital elements of farm safety such as safe shearing practices through to topics that may be hidden from view like supporting staff members with dyslexia.
‘This podcast season hopes to foster discussions on the high-risk aspects of the rewarding business of farming, emphasising the importance of raising awareness, sharing stories, and building a culture of safety.’
In one episode, we hear from experts Joel Haberfield and Peter Miller as they discuss the critical importance of safe livestock handling during loading and unloading processes. Their insights highlight the importance of improving safety standards in the agricultural sector, to protect both workers and animals.
Welcome to season 10 of Ag Vic Talk
To introduce the Farming Safe and Well season Agriculture Victoria’s Chief Executive Officer Beth Jones joins us to discuss the high-risk aspects of the rewarding business of farming, emphasising the importance of raising awareness, sharing stories, and fostering a culture of safety.
Listen now and help make positive changes on our farms.
Episode 1 - Importance of Safety in Livestock Handling with Joel Haberfield and Peter Miller
‘We have to be aware of the industry we're in and protect our drivers and our animals.’
Dive into the world of farm safety and livestock handling with experts Joel Haberfield and Peter Miller.
In this Farming Safe and Well episode, we discuss the critical importance of safe livestock handling during loading and unloading processes, and how experiences and insights on improving safety standards are crucial in the agricultural sector.
Listen now to understand the complex but critical safety procedures needed when handling livestock.
Sheepvention – Women in Agriculture lunch
Sheepvention will be hosting the first Women in Agriculture luncheon this year with the help of Agriculture Victoria.
A chance to connect with likeminded women who champion rural resilience and community, Agriculture Victoria is organising an impressive panel of women in agriculture to tell their stories.
Sharing insights on leadership, innovation and the future of women in agriculture, the panel will consist of:
- Georgina Gubbins, Warrnambool cattle and sheep producer, founding member and chair of Food and Fibre Great South Coast
- Esmee de Looff, Agribusiness Consultant from Pinion Advisory
- Bec Cruise, Carwarp cattle and sheep producer, Producer Demonstration Site member.
Attendees can engage with the panel discussion while enjoying a delicious two-course plated meal by The Speckled Frog, and a refreshing mocktail crafted by Noodledoof Brewing and Distilling Co.
Agriculture Victoria staff will be there to offer information and resources for drought conditions, while also running a stall across the 2-day event.
Sheepvention Rural Expo has been a leading event in the Australian sheep industry since 1979.
Held over 2 days at the showgrounds in Hamilton Victoria, it brings together agribusiness, machinery, livestock and professional services in the heart of Australia’s pastoral region.
Grab your ticket now: https://www.hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au/sheepvention
One-on-one advisory service
All farmers, anywhere in Victoria, can register for a free consultation with a farm management specialist.
The advisory service offers a session of up to 3 hours (face-to-face or online) and a follow-up call, to help farmers take stock and develop a plan for managing drought conditions.
The advice is suited to your situation, from a consultant that you nominate from the registered panel.
Agronomists, livestock nutritionists, veterinarians, pasture and grazing specialists and farm business advisors, can support you with:
- feed and water budgeting
- farm safety and workload management
- farm business and financial management
- soil health and pasture re-establishment
- animal health and welfare, and more.
For more information about drought support: www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/drought or call 136 186.
Supporting Victorians to be safe and inclusive
The Victorian Government is investing in a new all-ability initiative that is set to make farms safer and more inclusive – ensuring people of all abilities can fully participate in farm life with confidence and safety.
Acting Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney announced $25,000 in funding for Ability Agriculture, an organisation which represents people living with a disability and promotes safety initiatives across the agricultural sector.
Ability Agriculture will create an online hub featuring resources and videos highlighting all-abilities modifications farm owners have made to support workers, family members and others.
The hub will feature videos with workers sharing their experiences, along with tips from occupational therapists on how to adapt farms and equipment to support all abilities. It will be available on the Ability Agriculture website, which was launched last year.
The government has also delivered $44,000 to Monash University’s Victorian Injury Surveillance Unit to better understand the context in which hospital-treated farm injuries occur in Victoria to inform future interventions.
This is in addition to the $42,000 funding delivered to the University of Melbourne towards a project that identifies effective ways to support culturally and linguistically diverse people to work safely in agriculture.
This announcement comes during National Farm Safety Week, between 20-26 July, with the Victorian Government encouraging rural communities to keep safety and wellbeing front of mind.
To find more information on services, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/drought-support/mental-health-and-wellbeing-support
Request for quotation (RFQ) from service providers – drought technical decision-making service delivery
Calling all agricultural service providers! We need your help to support drought-affected farmers across the state.
We’re seeking quotes from consultants, agricultural service agencies and other suitably experienced providers, to deliver technical decision-making support through:
One-on-one consultations, and Group-based events.
Round 2 Request for Quotations is open until Thursday, 31 July.
Sheep Emissions Update – webinar recording
In this webinar we heard from Sam Henty (Farm Business Economist, Agriculture Victoria) presenting on the 2023/24 Livestock Farm Monitor Greenhouse Gas Results and Dr Ralph Behrendt (Senior Specialist, Climate Change, Agriculture Victoria) discussing the outcomes of the On Farm Emissions Action Plan Pilot for sheep enterprises.
Passcode: Sheep1
Rutherglen – In good times and bad: Adaptive skills for your farming future
When: 14-15 August, 8:30 am for 9 am start to 3 pm.
Where: Agriculture Victoria, 124 Chiltern Valley Road, Rutherglen.
Livestock and grain producers are invited to participate in a 2-day course for your farm business future. In the course you will develop a plan that will help contribute to your farm’s success.
For further information, contact: Kylie Macreadie Team Leader Land Management, on 0427 052 352 or email kylie.macreadie@agriculture.vic.gov.au
Virtual Drought Smokos
29 July - Online from 9 - 10 am
Drought Smokos are an hour a fortnight to get away from the paddock and catch up with a group of farmers who are all in the same boat!
We will talk about the science of feeding, how much, which commodities, pros and cons, cost, different options, trigger points and planning.
Corryong – Decisions that drive drought recovery
12 August at RSL Hall, Donaldson St, Corryong
9 am - 3.30 pm
A powerful and practical 1-day workshop on how to build resilience, navigate crisis and adapt to change.
Feel confident and equipped to make the decisions necessary to navigate your farm business through the current seasonal crisis/challenges by:
- learning how to navigate competing priorities for limited resources (family, farm and business)
- identifying key resource issues, stressors, risks and opportunities for your farm business
- learning improved decision-making skills and how to manage key priorities – especially when under pressure and stress
- learning skills to rebuild capacity after battling personal/health and business challenges
- connecting to networks that support recovery and resilience
Morning tea and a light lunch provided.
Contacting Agriculture Victoria
Call 136 186 from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call (except for mobiles and public telephones).
If you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment, contact us through the National Relay Service at 133 677 or visit the National Relay Service.
All contact points can be found at: agriculture.vic.gov.au/about-us/contact-us
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