Treatment of animals with Coxiella burnetii will reduce shedding.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only in cattle
• D. Only with vaccines

Answer: (B)

The key idea is that antibiotics or other treatments do not reliably stop Coxiella burnetii from being shed by infected animals. In livestock, the bacteria persist in reproductive tissues, birth fluids, milk, urine, and feces, especially around parturition. While antimicrobial therapy might reduce clinical signs or transiently lower bacterial levels, it does not consistently eliminate shedding, so infected animals can continue to contaminate the environment. Preventing shedding is more effectively addressed through vaccination (where available) and strict management practices around birth materials and biosecurity. Therefore, claiming that treatment will reduce shedding is not correct.