Associate Safety Professional Practice Exam 2025 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

Q-fever is commonly associated with slaughterhouses due to its connection with livestock, especially sheep and goats. The causative agent of Q-fever is the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, which is known to survive in the environment and can be shed in high concentrations in the birth fluids, urine, and feces of infected animals. The transmission to humans can occur through inhalation of contaminated aerosols or direct contact with infected tissues, making workers in slaughterhouses particularly susceptible to this disease.

In slaughterhouses, workers often come into close contact with animals and their bodily fluids, which increases the risk of exposure. The disease can lead to flu-like symptoms, and while many cases are mild, it can also result in more severe complications, such as pneumonia or chronic infections. Understanding the risks associated with Q-fever, particularly in environments like slaughterhouses, is crucial for implementing effective safety and health measures for workers.