SOUTH Australia’s peak livestock body, Livestock SA, is seeking State Government support to introduce a targeted subsidy for Q fever testing and vaccination.

The call follows concern about rising case numbers in South Australia from Safework SA.

SafeWork SA last month warned people who work with or near livestock of the dangers of Q fever ahead of the spring and summer peak.

The agency said the majority of Q fever infections occur during the spring and summer months. There were seven cases of Q fever reported to SA Health in the first six months of 2026, with 30 cases reported in 2025 and 23 reported in 2024.

Livestock SA has written to Blair Boyer, Minister for Health and Wellbeing, seeking support for a South Australian subsidy program for livestock producers because it can spread through contaminated dust and cause serious illness and long-term health impacts.

Livestock SA chief executive officer Travis Tobin said Q fever is an ongoing health risk for many people working in South Australia’s livestock industries.

“It is a preventable disease, but cost remains a barrier for some of the very people who face the greatest exposure through their daily work.”

Mr Tobin said the disease could have significant impacts on workers and farming businesses.

“People often think of Q fever as a short-term illness, but for some people, it can result in prolonged fatigue and lengthy periods away from work at a time when labour shortages and workforce pressures already exist across agriculture.”

Livestock SA said livestock producers should have affordable access to protection against a disease that can have serious consequences.

Q fever is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii and is transmitted to humans from indirect or direct contact with animals, predominantly in regional areas. Exposure to Q fever can occur through inhalation of contaminated dust or aerosols, exposure of broken skin to animal products or contaminated material, or penetrating injury through the skin with contaminated material, ingestion – consuming unpasteurised milk from an infected animal might be a risk for infection. People most at risk include farmers, shearers, livestock transporters, veterinarians and abattoir workers.