Three Michigan women who had consumed raw, cow's milk were infected with Q fever. The milk was obtained from a Livingston County farm through a dairy herd share program. Herd or cow share programs are where members own part of a cow and in return receive raw, dairy products. These programs are not subject to inspection or regulation under Michigan’s dairy laws. The milk was not sold at retail stores. Q fever is caused by the bacteria Coxiella burnetii. This organism is common in farm animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. Infected animals shed the organism in their urine, feces, milk and birthing fluids. One of the women was hospitalized due to Q Fever meningitis.