Increasing Number of Cases Due to Candida auris in North Italy, July 2019–December 2022

Candida auris is an emerging fungus that represents a serious health threat globally. In Italy, the first case was detected in July 2019. Then, one case was reported to the Ministry of Health (MoH) on January 2020. Nine months later, a huge number of cases were reported in northern Italy. Overall, 361 cases were detected in 17 healthcare facilities between July 2019 and December 2022 in the Liguria, Piedmont, Emilia-Romagna, and Veneto regions, including 146 (40.4%) deaths. The majority of cases (91.8%) were considered as colonised. Only one had a history of travel abroad. Microbiological data on seven isolates showed that all but one strain (85.7%) were resistant to fluconazole. All the environmental samples tested negative. Weekly screening of contacts was performed by the healthcare facilities. Infection prevention and control (IPC) measures were applied locally. The MoH nominated a National Reference Laboratory to characterise C. auris isolates and store the strains. In 2021, Italy posted two messages through the Epidemic Intelligence Information System (EPIS) to inform on the cases. On February 2022, a rapid risk assessment indicated a high risk for further spread within Italy, but a low risk of spread to other countries

Chemical hazards in meat and associated monitoring activities

The various national competent authorities’ monitoring plans for residues and contaminants in meat aim at verifying compliance with the requirements set out in legislation and at investigating the reasons why violations occur. In countries with high food safety standards the number of violations is very low indeed, commonly the result of fraud and negligence in observing withdrawal periods for drugs. Data generated through official controls are used to improve the design of targeted sampling plans, so as to be more effective in detecting such sporadic violations. Pesticide residues may result from deliberate misuse, illegal use of obsolete or banned pesticides, use of sub-standard or counterfeit pesticide formulations or contamination from various sources. Geographical location has been recognized as the main factor determining the background levels of potentially toxic elements in soils. Some countries have made significant progress in the mapping of polluting activities. Very relevant is the transfer of contaminants to the farming environment by feedstuffs or landfills. Environmental contaminants in feeds may also derive from fraudulent/incorrect practices. The monitoring plans function as a ‘warning system’ for detecting problems and for verifying that precautionary measures suffice to keep levels of residues and contaminants under defined limits. At present, most veterinary drug residues in foods of animal origin occur at such low levels that chronic or long-term health hazards to consumers rarely occur. The cost-effectiveness of monitoring plans can be optimized by risk analysis. Control systems should be strengthened to reduce the probability of crises related to ‘fraudulent practices’

Considerations on the sphere of application of European Union animal protection legislation for horses

The increasing awareness of animal welfare issues among consumers and the general public in the European Union has brought about the adoption of laws for the protection of production animals throughout the various steps of the food chain, from breeding to slaughter. Considering that horses may be kept for a variety of reasons, including as companion animals and as farm animals, protective legislation in Europe applies to this species only partially. In consistency with the areas of competence of the European Union, it is the purpose of the activity (be it economic/commercial or neither) and not the final purpose of the equine (whether they are intended for human consumption or not) along the entire food chain that determines the application of the above legislation. Even horses which are not kept for food production are covered by EU laws when they are bred or transported in connection with a commercial activity, while equines kept for purposes outside this context are protected only by national laws

Transmission of β-lactamases in the pork food chain: A public health concern

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a risk for public health that requires management in a One Health perspective, including humans, animals, and the environment. The food production chain has been identified as a possible route of transmission of AMR bacteria to humans. The most critical issue regards resistance to the Critically Important Antimicrobials (CIAs), such as β-lactams antibiotics. Here, pigs were analysed along the entire food producing chain, including feces, carcasses and pork products (fresh meat, fermented and seasoned products) ensuring treaciability of all samples.Escherichia coli were isolated and their ability to produce ESBL and AmpC β-lactamases was evaluated both phenotypically and genotypically. Strains with the same AMR profile from feces, carcasses, and meat products were selected for phylogenetic and comparative genomic analyses to evaluate the possible “farm-to-fork” transmission of β-lactams resistant bacteria. Results showed that the percentage of ESBL strains in fecal E. coli was approximately 7% and increased slightly in the pork food chain: the 10% of ESBL E. coli isolated from carcasses and the 12.5% of isolates from fresh meat products. AmpC E. coli were found only in feces, carcasses, and fresh meat with a low prevalence.Results showed that of the 243 pigs followed along the entire food chain genetic similarities in E. coli isolated from farm-to-fork were found in only one pig (feces, carcasses and fresh meat). Frequent similarities were shown in resistant E. coli isolates from carcasses and fresh meat or fermented product (three pork food chain). Moreover, in one case, bacteria isolated from fresh meat and fermented product were genotypically similar. Concluding, direct transmission of β-lactams resistance from farm-to-fork is possible but not frequent. Further studies are needed to improve risk communication to consumers and access to clear and reliable information and health concerns on food

Is Yersinia bercovieri Surpassing Yersinia enterocolitica in Wild Boars (Sus scrofa)?

International audienceYersiniosis was the fourth reported zoonosis in the European Union in 2018. As well-known, pigs are recognized important reservoirs of Yersinia enterocolitica. The study was focused on Y. enterocolitica detection in mesenteric lymph nodes and faeces of 305 wild boars, but Yersinia bercovieri was more common, being isolated from 108 animals (35.4%). Cold season (p = 1.17 9 10-5) and young age (p = 0.004) significantly increased Y. bercovieri detection. Y. enterocolitica 1A belonging to six serotypes (O:4.32-4.33; O:5; O:6.30-6.31; O:7.8-8-8.19; O:10-34; O:12.25-12.26) was isolated from 8.2% (25/305) of the animals. Cold season significantly affected (p = 0.037) Y. enterocolitica detection

Is Yersinia bercovieri surpassing Yersinia enterocolitica in wild boars (Sus scrofa)?

Yersiniosis was the fourth reported zoonosis in the European Union in 2018. As well-known, pigs are recognized important reservoirs of Y. enterocolitica. The study was focused on Y. enterocolitica detection in mesenteric lymph nodes and rectal samples of 305 wild boars, but Y. bercovieri was more common, being isolated from 108 animals (35.4%). Cold season (p = 1.17*10-5) and young age (p = 0.004) significantly increased Y. bercovieri detection. Y. enterocolitica 1A belonging to six serotypes (O:4,32-4,33; O:5; O:6,30-6,31; O:7,8-8-8,19; O:10-34; O:12,25-12,26) was isolated from 8.2% (25/305) of the animals. Cold season significantly affected (p = 0.037) Y. enterocolitica detection