Introduction

In a troubling trend for public health, reported cases of listeriosis in the EU have soared to an alarming total of 2,952, marking the highest levels seen since 2007. This increase has been evident over the period from 2019 to 2023 and is significantly associated with the ageing population in Europe, where 21.3% of residents are now over the age of 65. This demographic shift correlates with a rise in chronic age-related diseases, further heightening the severity of symptoms among older adults.

Primary Causes

The primary culprits behind these infections are contaminated ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, including cold smoked salmon, various meat products, and dairy items. Recent data indicates that the contamination levels for Listeria monocytogenes in RTE food categories ranged from 0.11% to 0.78%, with fermented sausages showing the most troubling results.

Other Zoonotic Diseases

Additionally, Campylobacteriosis and Salmonellosis continue to dominate as the most frequently reported zoonotic diseases across the EU. In 2023, Campylobacteriosis cases climbed to 148,181, a noticeable increase from 139,225 cases reported in 2022. Similarly, Salmonellosis cases surged to 77,486, up from 65,478 the previous year. Alarmingly, only 15 EU member states and the UK (Northern Ireland) managed to meet the established targets for Salmonella reduction in poultry, a drop from 19 member states that achieved this goal in 2022.

Expert Insights

Experts stress the importance of ongoing vigilance against foodborne threats. Frank Verdonck, Head of EFSA’s Biological Hazards & Animal Health and Welfare unit, highlighted, "The persistent presence of Salmonella in poultry populations underscores the necessity for continual oversight. Advanced surveillance tools like whole genome sequencing are crucial to effectively detecting and managing outbreaks."

Current Statistics

The report reveals that 5,691 foodborne outbreaks were documented in 2023—a slight decline from the previous year. However, the number of human cases, hospitalizations, and fatalities saw a distressing rise, with deaths hitting their highest mark in ten years. Salmonella stood out as the leading cause of these outbreaks, with eggs, mixed foods, and broiler meat being the most common sources.

A Call for Cohesion

Celine Gossner, Head of ECDC’s Emerging, Food- and Vector-Borne Diseases Section, urged for a cohesive frontline approach, stating, “The increase in severe outcomes from these outbreaks signals a sustained public health threat from Salmonella and similar pathogens. A One Health strategy that integrates human, animal, and environmental health can significantly bolster our defenses against these diseases.”

One Health Approach

The One Health approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of people, animals, and the environment, advocating for collaborative solutions to complex health challenges.

Public Awareness Initiatives

To raise public awareness, EFSA has released a plain language summary of their European Union One Health 2023 Zoonoses Report, complemented by interactive story maps and dashboards that provide insight into foodborne outbreaks and zoonotic pathogens. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of critical health data while spotlighting urgent issues in food safety.

Conclusion

As these alarming trends continue to unfold, it remains crucial for both health authorities and the public to stay informed and vigilant against zoonotic diseases that threaten our well-being!