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In 2021 there was an overall increase in reported cases of zoonotic diseases and foodborne outbreaks in the EU compared to the previous year, but levels are still well below those of the pre-pandemic years, reveals the latest annual EU One Health zoonosis report released by EFSA and ECDC.
The general drop compared to pre-pandemic years in reported cases and outbreaks is probably linked to COVID-19 control measures, which were still in place in 2021. Among the few exceptions are the number of cases for yersiniosis and those of foodborne listeriosis outbreaks, which exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
In 2021, 2.1% of the 144 samples of ready-to-eat pig meat and products tested positive for the presence of Yersinia. In fresh pig meat, Yersinia was found in 26 (7.1%) out of 366 samples tested.
The number of outbreaks caused by Listeria monocytogenes in 2021 was the highest ever reported. This might be linked to the increased use of whole genome sequencing techniques, which allow scientists to better detect and define outbreaks.
For pork meat products in the EU, the overall occurrence of L. monocytogenes remained comparable with previous years with 2.7% in 2021.
December 13, 2022/ EFSA/ European Union.
https://www.efsa.europa.eu
