Q fever, also called query fever, is a disease caused by the bacterium Coxiella burnetii, and is particularly prevalent in animal agriculture industries, favouring dry, dusty conditions.

It is spread to humans from cattle, sheep, goats, kangaroos and a range of other domestic and wild animals and is also found in ticks.

Several hundred cases are reported annually in Australia and people usually become infected by breathing in droplets of dust contaminated by faeces or urine from infected animals. It can also be spread by contact with fluids from birthing female animals known to carry the disease.

READ ALSO: Mother's Day baby a second generation tradition

In humans, symptoms can range from a slight flu-like illness to severe conditions such as hepatitis or pneumonia.

A safe and effective vaccine is available.

The latest edition of the Medical Journal of Australia said vaccinations should be considered for people living in rural Queensland, amid studies showing infections may be more common than previously thought.

The recent Associated Country Women of the World conference in Melbourne moved for member organisations to advocate for increased funding to educate medical practitioners and alert communities about the identification, treatment, and prevention of Q fever, and implement a scheme to subsidise vaccination programs to prevent Q fever in high risk areas.

QCWA North Western Division President Georgina Westlund said Q fever was in our area and they wanted to improve education, awareness of the risks and ideally, support prevention.

"We are committed to educating and advocating in our communities for improved awareness as well as preventative measures," Ms Westlund said.

While you are here subscribe to our weekly email to your inbox at 6am every Friday