The NSW government will invest almost half a million dollars into an education campaign and research into an improved vaccine for the disease, which is spread to humans from animals.

Symptoms include high fevers and chills, severe sweats, severe headaches, muscle and joint pains and extreme fatigue. Health Minister Brad Hazzard urged anyone who works around animals to get the injection.

“Working on the land is tough enough without being bedridden or even hospitalised for months on end due to this debilitating disease,” Mr Hazzard said.

“Q fever is preventable through a lifelong vaccination so I strongly urge those at risk to ensure they are protected.”

The current vaccination isn’t suitable for anyone under 15, and requires screening to prevent severe reactions in those who have had previous exposure to Q fever.

NSW Health Director of Health Protection Dr Jeremy McAnulty said $200,000 in research funding would assist the Australian Rickettsial Reference Laboratory, working with the Elizabeth Macarthur Agricultural Institute at Camden, to develop an improved vaccine.

“Last year, more than 200 people contracted Q fever in NSW, mostly males aged between 40 and 70, and almost half ended up in hospital,” Dr McAnulty said.

“People aged over 15 living or working on the land should talk to their GP about getting a vaccination as the illness can affect your entire working life.”

An additional $275,000 has been set aside for education.

“As a former rural nurse, I know that prevention is the best cure. But the first step is awareness and we need to get the industry and community talking about Q fever transmission risks,” parliamentary secretary Bronnie Taylor said.

The NSW government has worked with the Royal Agricultural Society, NSW Farmers’ Association, the NSW Country Women’s Association and SafeWork NSW on the education campaign and has launched an online learning module to help GPs recognise symptoms and diagnose Q fever.