Zoonotic diseases in Europe on the rise, according to ECDC and EFSA new report

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) have published the joint European Union One Health 2023 Zoonoses Report, offering an overview of zoonotic disease surveillance in Europe. The report reveals a concerning increase in reported cases of zoonotic diseases among humans, while foodborne outbreaks have slightly decreased.

Notably, cases of listeriosis have surged to their highest levels since 2007, with 2 952 reported cases in 2023. This rise may be linked to Europe’s ageing population—over 21% of Europeans are now over 65—alongside a growing incidence of chronic diseases that heighten the risk of severe symptoms. The most common sources of listeriosis are contaminated ready-to-eat (RTE) foods, such as cold smoked salmon, meat products, and dairy.

Campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis continue to be the most frequently reported zoonotic diseases, with campylobacteriosis cases rising to 148 181 in 2023, up from 139 225 in 2022. Salmonellosis cases also increased, reaching 77 486, compared to 65 478 the previous year. Only 15 EU Member States and the UK achieved all established targets for reducing Salmonella in poultry, down from 19 in 2022.

Frank Verdonck, Head of EFSA’s Biological Hazards & Animal Health and Welfare unit, emphasized the ongoing need for vigilance against foodborne diseases, highlighting the importance of enhanced surveillance tools like whole genome sequencing.

The report also tracks foodborne outbreaks, defined as incidents where at least two individuals contract the same illness from contaminated food. In 2023, there were 5 691 reported outbreaks, a slight decrease from the previous year. However, the number of human cases, hospitalizations, and deaths has risen, with fatalities hitting a decade-high. Salmonella was the leading cause of foodborne outbreaks, with eggs, mixed foods, and broiler meat identified as the most frequent sources.

Celine Gossner, Head of ECDC’s Emerging, Food- and Vector-Borne Diseases Section, warned that the increase in severe cases from foodborne outbreaks underscores the ongoing public health threat posed by Salmonella and other pathogens. She advocated for a One Health approach, which integrates human, animal, and environmental health to better prevent disease spread.

To bolster efforts against these health threats, ongoing research, effective communication, and public awareness are essential. In an effort to make the report more accessible, EFSA is releasing a plain language summary along with story maps and dashboards that allow users to explore data on foodborne outbreaks and 14 zoonotic pathogens. This includes newly published maps and dashboards for diseases such as Echinococcus, Q fever, rabies, and Toxoplasma gondii.

Given these findings, a strengthened commitment to integrated health strategies, along with collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, will be essential for mitigating zoonotic risks and securing a safer food supply for all Europeans.

Source:

ECDC