The Food Standards Agency (FSA) is calling for a research study on the likelihood of the milk becoming contaminated during a Q fever outbreak in UK livestock.
The study will also evaluate the associated risks to humans from consumption of unpasteurized milk contaminated with Coxiella burnetii bacteria.
According to FSA, the research will be based on UK and international published and unpublished data.
Q fever is a bacterial infection caused by Coxiella burnetii bacteria. Human cases are relatively rare, but can result in serious illness.
While Q fever primarily spread to humans through contact with infected animals, the role of contaminated unpasteurized milk and milk products in human infection is less clear.
The FSA is inviting tenders for a research study, with the last date for the applications being 30 July 2012.
