Foodborne illnesses caused by zoonotic pathogens associated with
wildlife hosts are an emerging microbial food safety concern.
Transmission of foodborne pathogens can occur through ingestion, or
improper handling, of contaminated game meat. Wild and feral animals
have also been investigated as potential sources of Campylobacter,
Escherichia coli O157: H7 and other enteric pathogens following
foodborne disease outbreaks linked to fresh fruits and vegetables (e.g.,
baby spinach in California, shelled-peas in Alaska, strawberries in
Oregon). This book explores the range of bacterial, parasitic, and viral
pathogens that have been described in wildlife populations in the United
States, Europe and other parts of the world. It also addresses important
challenges and solutions to balance agriculture, conservation, and
public health goals. The book provides unique information on approaches
in risk communication, co-management, and One Health in a wildlife-food
safety context. The first five chapters review research on the
detection, epidemiology and ecology of foodborne pathogens in wildlife
populations including the influence of wildlife-livestock-human
interactions. The second half of the book addresses current guidelines
to mitigate microbial food safety risks from wildlife hosts and new
regulations proposed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in the
Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule. Chapters are written
by an array of internationally reco
gnized authors, and will be of interest to agriculture safety experts,
ecologists, environmental health specialists, food safety professionals,
microbiologists, public health practitioners, veterinarians, wildlife
biologists, and others in academia, government, industry, and students
in these disciplines.
