Livestock SA is calling on the federal government to support a new national Q fever management program, after the number of cases of the bacterial disease more than doubled in the past year.
A SA Health report found there had been 27 cases in 2016, compared to 12 in 2015.
Livestock SA president Geoff Power says there are many young people entering the industry who are at risk of contracting Q fever by coming into contact with infected animals, including cattle, sheep and goats.
Symptoms can include high fever, nausea, muscle and joint pain, weight loss and chronic fatigue.
Mr Power says it is vital the federal Department of Health supports the campaign, including subsiding Q fever vaccinations to individuals older than 15 years of age, living in rural areas.
“The livestock sector is a key economic sector of SA, valued at $4.5 billion annually in 2014-15, so it is vital that we protect those who work within this sector,” he said.
The last national Q fever program ended more than a decade ago.