Molecular detection of Coxiella burnetii and Coxiella species in rats and chickens from poultry farms in North West Province, South Africa.

The findings in this study demonstrate that rodents and chickens are harbouring C. burnetii at sampled poultry farms. There should be frequent screening for C. burnetii in poultry operations. The likelihood of future transmission between rodents and chickens, including humans, also needs to be investigated.