New report rings alarm on rising zoonotic infections in the EU
The latest European Union One Health 2024 Zoonoses Report, published by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), has revealed a worrying upward trend in several key foodborne diseases across Europe. The comprehensive data, collected from 27 Member States (MSs), the UK (Northern Ireland), and eight non-MSs, interprets the results of 2024 zoonoses monitoring and surveillance activities.
While campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis remain the most frequently reported human zoonoses in 2024, the report highlights listeriosis as the most severe. Listeria infections were the fourth most reported but accounted for the highest rate of hospitalisations and the highest case fatality rate.
Experts suggest that the observed increase in serious Listeria infections may be linked to Europe's aging population and shifting dietary habits, such as the growing consumption of ready-to-eat (RTE) foods. Contamination levels in RTE foods are generally low, with less than 3% of samples exceeding EU safety limits, but the severity of the illness underscores the continuous threat.
Campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis saw significant increasing trends in reported cases over the last five years, along with listeriosis and Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infections.
The report notes ongoing challenges in controlling these common pathogens in the food chain. Only 14 MSs and the UK (Northern Ireland) met all reduction targets for Salmonella prevalence in poultry. Moreover, Salmonella in 'eggs and egg products' was identified as the agent/food pair of most concern and the primary cause of multi-country outbreaks across the EU in 2024.
In 2024, 27 MSs and the UK (Northern Ireland) reported a higher number of foodborne outbreaks, associated cases, and hospitalisations compared to 2023. While the number of deaths decreased overall, foods of non-animal origin, especially 'vegetables and other products thereof,' were responsible for the largest number of deaths in strong-evidence outbreaks.
EFSA and ECDC officials emphasized that while food safety standards remain high, continuous vigilance and coordination across the entire food chain are essential. They stressed the importance of the One Health approach—recognizing the interconnectedness of human, animal, and environmental health—to effectively manage and prevent foodborne diseases.
The agencies strongly urge consumers, especially vulnerable groups, to adhere to proper food hygiene practices (such as thorough cooking, proper storage, and avoiding high-risk foods) to reduce infection risks.
Source:
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