What’s Making us Poop? Decloaking Pathogens: the battle rages on BC Food Protection Association The First Decade-Embracing a Changing World October 22, 2009 Marsha Taylor Epidemiologist BC Centre for Disease Control
A decade worth of data Trends in foodborne pathogens What has changed? Pathogen Environment Host What does this mean for public health?
What has changed? HOST PATHOGEN ENVIRONMENT
Salmonellosis
Campylobacteriosis
Verotoxigenic E. coli Infection
Listeriosis
Cyclosporiasis
Antimicrobial resistance
Environment Same pathogens but novel sources Produce Convenience foods Sources other than food (pets, pet food, bottled water) Norovirus-not just person to person
Environment International food sources A global food market Foodborne outbreaks or issues in other countries may impact us Localized outbreaks vs. widespread outbreaks
Host Enteric infections associated with international travel
Host Public awareness Media Educational initiatives Labeling
Host Consumer demands Convenient/Eating out Want local and fresh (12 months of the year) Ethnic foods
Public Health Integrated approach to surveillance Lab techniques help improve detection Communication with all partners
What’s next Changes in host, pathogen and source Continue to see more food available, more consumer choices What does this mean for public health and the food industry? Keep people safe and healthy More information
Congratulations and Happy 10 th Birthday! Questions Marsha Taylor, Epidemiologist BCCDC