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Q fever campaign up and running
4 Oct 2002
A campaign for the prevention of Q fever is now under way in NSW, and the NSW Farmers' Association is urging people to take advantage of the opportunity to be screened and tested.
The NSW Department of Health is conducting mass clinics in rural areas, to ensure that the maximum number of at-risk people are screened and then vaccinated if necessary.
NSW Farmers’ Association President, Mal Peters, says the Q fever program is essential from both a health and economic viewpoint, for farmers, their families and their employees.
" Q fever is an infection with symptoms similar to influenza and is one of the most mis-diagnosed diseases affecting people working with animals.
"We are therefore encouraging people to take advantage of the free clinics, which will be run with a minimum of 10 people.
"Employers also have an obvious duty of care in ensuring that their employees are covered for potential infections, and with Q fever costing the industry millions of dollars through lost work days, it’s important that employers encourage their workers to be screened," Mr Peters advised.
"With recent outbreaks in both the south coast and central west regions of New South Wales, people in rural communities should make the most of the campaign.
"We applaud the Federal and State Governments for funding this program, and look forward to working with the NSW Government in its implementation," Mr Peters said.
For further information people should contact their local Public Health Unit (under "Health" in the White Pages). Additionally, the NSW Farmers’ Association will be using its branch network to organise clinics.
Interview: Mal Peters 0429 632 653
If unable to contact: Joe Lane (Policy Manager) 02 8251 1806 - w / 0414 918 485
Source: NSW Farmers' Association media release
by Ireni Attia
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