The European Union One Health 2023 Zoonoses Report: A Deep Dive into Rising E. coli STEC & Listeria monocytogenes Infections

The European Union’s “One Health” program has released its 2023 Zoonoses report, detailing comprehensive monitoring and surveillance activities conducted across 27 Member States, the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland), and 10 non-Member States. The findings underscore the growing prevalence of E. coli STEC and Listeria monocytogenes infections, among other zoonotic diseases.

Key Highlights from the 2023 Zoonoses Report

Prevalence of Zoonotic Diseases:

• Campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis were the most frequently reported zoonoses in 2023, with both seeing an increase in case numbers compared to 2022.
• No significant changes in the incidence trends of these diseases were observed between 2019 and 2023.

Competent authorities found samples for Campylobacter quantification from broiler carcasses more frequently positive compared to results from self-monitoring efforts

Salmonella Enteritidis:

• This remains the leading cause of salmonellosis, with eggs and egg products identified as the primary sources of contamination.
• Salmonella accounted for the highest number of cases among all pathogen-matrix combinations and the second-highest number of hospitalizations.

E. coli STEC (or Shigatoxin-producing Escherichia coli) Infections:

• Ranked as the third most reported zoonotic pathogen in humans, following Campylobacter and Salmonella.
• A steady increase in STEC infections was observed from 2019 to 2023, primarily linked to dairy products (non-cheese), cheese, and beef products.

Listeria monocytogenes – A Growing Concern:

• Listeriosis cases reached their highest level since 2007, with 2,952 reported in 2023, marking a steady rise over the past five years.
• Factors contributing to this trend include the aging population and the prevalence of contaminated ready-to-eat (RTE) foods such as cold-smoked salmon, meat products, and dairy.
• In 2023, Listeria monocytogenes caused 19 foodborne outbreaks, resulting in 133 cases, 84 hospitalizations, and 11 deaths.
• Listeria monocytogenes and West Nile virus infections were the most serious zoonotic diseases, with high hospitalization and mortality rates.

Addressing Foodborne Pathogen Risks

The report also covers updates on zoonoses such as brucellosis, echinococcosis, Q fever, rabies, toxoplasmosis, trichinellosis, tuberculosis due to Mycobacterium bovis or M. caprae, and tularaemia. The data emphasizes the importance of robust surveillance and control measures to mitigate foodborne risks.

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