Foodborne illness in Europe European Union One Health 2021 Zoonoses Report

EFSA and ECDC issued a report in EFSA Journal 2022; 20(12):7666 on Annual EU one Health Zoonoses report. This report of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) presents the results of zoonoses monitoring and surveillance activities carried out in 2021 in 27 European Union countries (Mss.), the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) and nine non‐MSs. In 2021, the first most reported zoonosis in humans was campylobacteriosis, followed by salmonellosis. Cases of campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis increased in comparison with 2020. However, it did not reach the pre-pandemic levels. In 2021, data collection and analysis at the EU level were still impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic and the control measures adopted in the MSs, including partial or total lockdowns. EFSA and ECDC reported that in 2021 there were 4,005 foodborne outbreaks in the EU – a 29.8% increase compared with 2020. Salmonella samples from carcasses and samples for Campylobacter quantification from broiler carcasses were more frequently positive when performed by the competent authorities than when own‐checks were conducted. Yersiniosis was the third most reported zoonosis in humans, followed by Shiga toxin‐producing Escherichia coli (STEC) and Listeria monocytogenes infections. L. monocytogenes and West Nile virus infections were the most severe zoonotic diseases, with the most hospitalizations and highest case fatality rates. Overall, MSs reported more foodborne outbreaks and cases in 2021 than 2020. S. Enteritidis remained the most frequently reported causative agent for foodborne outbreaks. Outbreaks linked to vegetables and juices rose considerably compared with previous years.  @ https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/efsajournal/pub/7666