Announcing the investment, Federal Regional Health Minister Mark Coulton labelled Q fever a major issue for regional Australians.
“Q fever is a disease that affects families across the country,” he said.
“I know people who have suffered its ill-effects, which vary in intensity from one person to the next, and know how important it is to ensure Australians have access to the best medical products possible.
“That is why the government is acting to provide more support and more options for most at-risk Australians.”
The bacteria that causes Q fever is spread from animals — mainly cattle, sheep and goats — but can travel up to 30 km in dry, windy conditions and infect people who have had no contact with animals.
National Farmers’ Federation chief executive officer Tony Mahar said the trial made possible by the funding is a significant step towards a more efficient and easier-to-access Q fever vaccine.
“The disease is most commonly contracted by those working with livestock on property or in abattoirs, with times of drought considered particularly dangerous,” Mr Mahar said.
“There is no more important priority for agriculture than protecting the health and wellbeing of our people.”
Mr Coulton said the government was keen to reduce the impact of Q fever and had been subsidising supply of the existing vaccine for many years.
“I'm excited by the potential of this new generation vaccine, being developed by an Australian research partnership,” he said.
“It could be a breakthrough for not only Australian farmers and meat workers, but rural communities around the world.”
NSW Farmers president James Jackson said the new vaccine was intended to be simple, easy to administer and accessible to all Australians at risk of contracting the disease.
“For years, NSW Farmers has led the charge in asking governments to take action on Q fever,” he said.
“We're glad that the Australian Government recognises the substantial risk this disease poses to regional and rural Australia.
“This is a disease that disproportionately affects our rural communities.
“Having experienced it myself, I can attest to the significant impact it can have on your life.”
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