Coxiella burnetii—One of the causes of abortion in ruminants: A review of European studies

Coxiella burnetii, the etiological agent of Q fever, is a globally distributed zoonotic pathogen that poses a significant risk to both animal health and public health. In ruminants, particularly cattle, sheep, and goats, it is frequently implicated in late-term abortions and other reproductive disorders. This mini-review summarizes data from studies published between 2020 and 2024, primarily from European countries, highlighting the role of C. burnetii in ruminant abortions, modes of transmission, prevalence, and control strategies. The bacterium’s environmental persistence and asymptomatic shedding by hosts contribute to its epidemiological complexity. In light of these findings, the importance of active surveillance, farm-level biosecurity, and public health integration is emphasized.