Work

Q fever in the United Arab Emirates and in other Gulf Cooperation Council States: A neglected zoonosis requiring a one health policy response

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Despite expanding livestock production and close animal–human interfaces, Q fever, caused by Coxiella burnetii , remains an under-recognized zoonosis in the UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. This narrative review synthesizes epidemiological evidence on C. burnetii in human, livestock, and wildlife populations across GCC countries (January 1990 to March 2026), evaluates surveillance, diagnostic, and regulatory frameworks to identify critical gaps, and informs a coordinated One Health strategy for Q fever control. Data were obtained from PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Google Scholar, GCC national health authorities, legislative portals, the Gulf Center for Disease Prevention and Control, and the World Health Organization, World Organization for Animal Health, and Food and Agriculture Organization. Following duplicate removal and two-stage screening, 19 sources met the inclusion criteria. Available evidence indicates that C. burnetii is enzootic in UAE livestock, with seroprevalence frequently exceeding 30–50% and associated with abortion history, larger herd sizes, and occupational exposure among abattoir workers. Comparable livestock seroprevalence was reported in Saudi Arabia (6.6–50%) and Oman (12.8–52%), alongside human seropositivity or case series in Oman (9.8%), Saudi Arabia (8.1–35.0%), and the UAE (24.4%). However, data remain scarce for Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar, while evidence on wildlife reservoirs is limited. Although diagnostic approaches are well established, surveillance, case definitions, reporting, and regulatory recognition remain heterogeneous, with no unified guidelines or documented national vaccination programs across the GCC region. Strengthened One Health surveillance, harmonized reporting, integration of clinical and veterinary sectors, and targeted protection of at-risk populations are urgently needed.

Source: Next research.

DOI: 10.1016/j.nexres.2026.102100