AgForce and the Q Fever Interest Group (QFIG) have combined forces to seek urgent government funding to reduce rates of Q fever in Australia - which has one of the highest incidences in the world of the debilitating disease.
Q fever is a flu-like illness caused by a bacterial infection, which typically spreads to humans from animals such as cattle, sheep and goats.
Queensland accounts for around half of all Australia's cases of Q fever, with research showing that a Queenslander is eight times more likely to be diagnosed than someone from NSW.
Queensland Health Infectious Diseases expert and QFIG member Dr Robert Horvath says increased research funding to develop a new vaccine is urgently needed to address a concerning rise in Q fever cases.
"Less than 10% of infections with Q fever are diagnosed, most are missed," Dr Horvath says.
"We have been witnessing a largely persistent increase in case numbers in the past decade. Last year 873 Australians were diagnosed, and we are on trend to crack more than 1000 diagnoses this year. That would be the most cases of Q fever since 1992.
"Early intervention and diagnosis of Q Fever is critical to reduce the progression of the illness.
"But unfortunately, only a small proportion of people with chronic Q fever are diagnosed, and if it's not treated quickly - it can become a chronic condition."
AgForce Policy Director Ruth Thompson says one of their biggest concerns is how difficult chronic Q fever is to manage in regional, rural and remote locations.
"What we're really seeking is immediate funding to subsidise the existing Q fever vaccine," Dr Thompson says.
"The cost of Q-Vax is hundreds of dollars which is stopping some people from getting the vaccination - even though it's desperately needed.
"We really implore the government to better fund this and provide subsidised vaccination options - particularly for anyone who could potentially be exposed to Q fever.
"We also need more GP's available to administer this vaccination because that's a barrier as well."
Dr Horvath says a public awareness campaign along with increased training for doctors so they can better diagnose the disease would also reduce the risk of deadly complications.
"A University of Queensland research study in progress suggests there is a link between Q fever and living near a cattle-transport route - which is worrying because that involves no actual occupational exposure, and highlights the need for better treatment and prevention for a wider population," he says.
"Some cases are severe, with admissions to ICU or death. Meningitis is not rare with this, however people rarely test for it, and instead treat with ineffective agents."
While the existing Q-Vax vaccine is highly effective, it has several drawbacks.
- There is a high risk of allergic reaction
- Pre-pathology is required before the vaccine is administered
- The cost is prohibitive (between $300-$400) and involves multiple doctor visits
- The tyranny of distance to access doctors is a significant barrier
"The development of a new vaccine without the "reactogenicity" of the current Q-Vax vaccine would eliminate the need for the complicated pre-testing process, and would enable boosters every 10-20 years to ensure life-long protection," Dr Horvath says.
"A vaccine like this could potentially have a global market which may generate revenue for Australia as well as cement Australia as a medical technology leader for future investments.
"Stephen Graves at the ARRL (Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory) in Geelong is in the early stages of developing such a vaccine but is seeking $1.4million to progress this vaccine towards human trials.
"We cannot let such a potentially significant medical breakthrough for such a devastating disease fall over because of a lack of funding."
More financial support is also needed for epidemiology projects to investigate the devastating effects of Q fever in pregnancy, early childhood, Indigenous Australians, and high-prevalence regions to design more effective targeted vaccination and education campaigns.
