Campylobacter and E. coli cases in Europe have increased for the fifth straight year according for 2011 produced jointly by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC). Salmonella cases decreased fort the seventh straight year.
Health officials attribute the decrease to Salmonella control programs which have led to a reduction of Salmonella in laying hens and eggs. “The good news is that the positive trend in reduction of Salmonella cases in humans and poultry is continuing. However, the increase in Campylobacter and [E. coli] cases highlights the continued need to monitor and control the presence of these bacteria in the food chain in order to reduce the risk of human exposure,” said Pia Makela, Head of EFSA’s Biological Monitoring Unit.
Although cases of Salmonella infection, called salmonellosis, have decreased, they are still the second most frequently reported foodborne illness in Europe with 95,548 reported cases in 2011. “We need to remain vigilant and continue to strengthen our collaboration with all important partners involved in the prevention and control of zoonotic diseases. Although the results of the report show a sustained decrease in Salmonella cases in humans,Campylobacter and VTEC cases are still increasing. We can’t lower our guard,” said Johan Giesecke, Chief Scientist at ECDC. In 2011, 220,209 Campylobacter cases and 9,485 E.coli cases were reported in Europe. In 20111, 5,648 foodborne illness outbreaks sickened 69,553 Europeans, killing 93.
