A comparison of the serological evidence of Coxiella burnetii exposure between military working dogs and feral canines in Iraq

Abstract

Coxiella burnetii is the causative agent of the zoonotic disease Q fever. Military working dogs (MWDs) are exposed to disease while deployed and are a potential source for human infection. This study assesses the exposure of MWDs via postdeployment antibody serology. In 2007 and 2008, 115 deployed MWDs and 165 feral Iraqi canines had blood samples taken and evaluated for antibodies to C. burnetii. None of the MWDs seroconverted, alleviating the need to consider predeployment titers, while 5.5% of feral canines seroconverted. This difference was significant with a p value of <0.05. MWD vector control measures and prophylactic doxycycline administration are effective in Q fever disease control and prevention. Thus, MWDs may be less effective as sentinels for human populations in regards to tickborne diseases caused by C. burnetii. Nonetheless, veterinarians presented with an MWD with a fever of unknown origin should consider C. burnetii if the dog has recently redeployed, and if diagnosed should make the kennel master and medical treatment facility aware of the zoonotic risk. © Association of Military Surgeons of the U.S. All rights reserved.