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25.12.2024 - Foods

EFSA and ECDC publish Zoonoses Report 2023

The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) presented the EU One Health Zoonoses Report 2023 on December 11, 2023. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the monitoring of zoonoses in the EU and other reporting countries.

Facts and Trends at a Glance
Data on zoonoses and zoonotic agents were collected and evaluated for the report from 27 EU member states, 10 non-member states, and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland).

The most frequently reported zoonoses in humans in 2023 were:

• Campylobacteriosis
• Salmonellosis

For both pathogens, an increase in cases was reported compared to 2022. Of particular concern was the combination of Salmonella pathogens and "eggs or egg products." In 2023, this was the most common cause of foodborne disease outbreaks and also ranked second in hospitalizations due to such outbreaks. Salmonella was also the main cause of most cross-border disease outbreaks in the EU.

Ranked third among the most frequently reported zoonotic agents in humans was Shiga-toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), followed by Yersinia enterocolitica and Listeria monocytogenes.

Severe Zoonoses with High Mortality Rate
The most severe illnesses were caused in 2023 by:

• Listeria monocytogenes
• West Nile virus infections

Both zoonoses had the highest percentages of hospitalizations and the highest mortality rate.

Foodborne Outbreaks: Decrease in Numbers, Increase in SeverityWhile 27 member states and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) recorded a slight decrease in reported foodborne outbreaks, both the total number of affected cases and hospitalizations increased in 2023.

Successes in Reducing Salmonella in Poultry
15 EU member states and the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) were able to achieve the set targets for reducing Salmonella prevalence in poultry populations. However, samples for Salmonella and Campylobacter quantification, taken by competent authorities, were more frequently positive than self-controls.

Other Topics in the Report
In addition to the aforementioned zoonoses, the report also contains current data on:

• Brucellosis
• Echinococcosis
• Q fever
• Rabies

Additional Information

Also worth reading: The report on national zoonosis monitoring by the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL) for the reporting year 2023, published as the "Zoonoses Trend Report" in October 2024. We sent this to you with circular L-780-2024 on October 9, 2024.

In our Tentamus laboratories, we regularly conduct testing for Salmonella, Listeria, and many more. We provide you with quick and reliable results. For questions, our customer advisors are very happy to assist you.

Source: www.lebensmittelverband.de