Because the effect of antibiotic treatment is not evidence-based and prudent use of antibiotics is needed to avoid microbial resistance, it is advised that antibiotics should not be used for treatment of Q fever in animals. The control of Q fever in ruminant herds involves non-medical measures (biosecurity) and animal vaccination. The commercially available vaccine reduces both the clinical signs of the disease, such as abortions, and the shedding of the causative bacteria.