Wild animals, with numerous tick hosts 2. Domestic animals - sheep, goats, cattle. Widespread in sheep in the U.S. Dogs, cats, and chickens can also be infected. Enzootic infection among domestic animals is the main reservoir of infection for humans. Organism is resistant to drying and can persist for months while providing extensive environmental contamination.
Aerosol is a major means of transmission.
Amniotic and fetal tissues are highly infective. Soiled linen may infect personnel in the laundry. One organism is considered to be enough to cause infection in humans. Two weeks to one month incubation. Febrile illness or Subacute endocarditis.