The constant public health quest is to stay ahead of the bugs by making risk management decisions. With all the focus on pathogen reduction, CDC reported last year that raw numbers show decreases in Salmonella, E.coli O157, Listeria and Yersinia infections and significant increases in Campylobacter and Vibro illnesses (compared to 2006-2008). 

EFSA using similar methods, released information today that shows an increase in Listeria with decreases in Salmonella and Campylobacter in the EU.

Campylobacteriosis is still the most reported disease, accounting for 214,000 cases of infections.

“It is encouraging to see that cases of campylobacteriosis have gone down in 2012. But more investigation and monitoring is needed to see if this is the beginning of a trend”, said Marta Hugas, Acting Head of EFSA’s Risk Assessment and Scientific Assistance Department.

Over the years, salmonellosis has been decreasing- with 91,034 reported cases in 2012. This is mainly due to the successful Salmonella control programmes put in place by EU Member States and the European Commission in poultry, the report said. Most Member States met their Salmonella reduction target for poultry flocks.

Listeriosis accounted for 1,642 reported cases, 10.5% more than in 2011 and has been gradually increasing over the past five years.