SLOVENIA The Report referred to in Article 5 of Directive 92/117/EEC TRENDS AND SOURCES OF ZOONOSES AND ZOONOTIC AGENTS IN HUMANS, FOODSTUFFS, ANIMALS AND FEEDINGSTUFFS including information on foodborne outbreaks and antimicrobial resistance in zoonotic agents IN 2004
INFORMATION ON THE REPORTING AND MONITORING SYSTEM Country: Slovenia Reporting Year: 2004 Institutions and laboratories involved in monitoring: Laboratory Description name Veterinary Competent authority Administration of the Republic of Slovenia Contribution Reporting authority Slovenia 2004
PREFACE This report is submitted to the European Commission in accordance with Article 5 of Council Directive 92/117/EEC 1. The information has also been forwarded to the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). The report contains information on trends and sources of zoonoses and zoonotic agents in Slovenia during the year 2004. The information covers the occurrence of these diseases and agents in humans, animals, foodstuffs and in some cases also in feedingstuffs. In addition the report includes data on antimicrobial resistance in some zoonotic agents and commensal bacteria as well as information on epidemiological investigations of foodborne outbreaks. Complementary data on susceptible animal populations in the country is also given. The information given covers both zoonoses that are important for the public health in the whole European Community as well as zoonoses, which are relevant on the basis of the national epidemiological situation. The report describes the monitoring systems in place and the prevention and control strategies applied in the country. For some zoonoses this monitoring is based on legal requirements laid down by the Community Legislation, while for the other zoonoses national approaches are applied. The report presents the results of the examinations carried out in the reporting year. A national evaluation of the epidemiological situation, with special reference to trends and sources of zoonotic infections, is given. Whenever possible, the relevance of findings in foodstuffs and animals to zoonoses cases in humans is evaluated. The information covered by this report is used in the annual Community Summary Report on zoonoses that is published each year by EFSA. 1 Council Directive 92/117/ECC of 17 December 1992 concerning measures for protection against specified zoonoses and specified zoonotic agents in animals and products of animal origin in order to prevent outbreaks of foodborne infections and intoxications, OJ L 62, 15.3.1993, p. 38 Slovenia 2004
LIST OF CONTENTS 1. ANIMAL POPULATIONS 1 2. INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC ZOONOSES AND ZOONOTIC AGENTS 4 2.1. SALMONELLOSIS 5 2.1.1. General evaluation of the national situation 5 2.1.2. Salmonellosis in humans 7 2.1.3. Salmonella in foodstuffs 12 2.1.4. Salmonella in animals 23 2.1.5. Salmonella in feedstuffs 43 2.1.6. Salmonella serovars and phagetype distribution 46 2.1.7. Antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella isolates 50 2.2. CAMPYLOBACTERIOSIS 133 2.2.1. General evaluation of the national situation 133 2.2.2. Campylobacteriosis in humans 134 2.2.3. Campylobacter in foodstuffs 138 2.2.4. Campylobacter in animals 142 2.2.5. Antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter isolates 142 2.3. LISTERIOSIS 143 2.3.1. General evaluation of the national situation 143 2.3.2. Listeriosis in humans 144 2.3.3. Listeria in foodstuffs 147 2.4. VEROCYTOTOXIC ESCHERICHIA COLI 151 2.4.1. General evaluation of the national situation 151 2.4.2. Verocytotoxic Escherichia coli in humans 152 2.4.3. Pathogenic Escherichia coli in foodstuffs 156 2.4.4. Pathogenic Escherichia coli in animals 159 2.5. TUBERCULOSIS 160 2.5.1. General evaluation of the national situation 160 2.5.2. Tuberculosis in humans 161 2.5.3. Mycobacterium in animals 165 2.6. BRUCELLOSIS 171 2.6.1. General evaluation of the national situation 171 2.6.2. Brucellosis in humans 172 2.6.3. Brucella in foodstuffs 175 2.6.4. Brucella in animals 175 2.7. YERSINIOSIS 182 2.7.1. General evaluation of the national situation 182 2.7.2. Yersiniosis in humans 183 2.7.3. Yersinia in foodstuffs 187 2.7.4. Yersinia in animals 190 2.8. TRICHINELLOSIS 191 2.8.1. General evaluation of the national situation 191 2.8.2. Trichinellosis in humans 192 2.8.3. Trichinella in animals 195 2.9. ECHINOCOCCOSIS 203 Slovenia 2004
2.9.1. General evaluation of the national situation 203 2.9.2. Echinococcosis in humans 204 2.9.3. Echinococcus in animals 207 2.10. TOXOPLASMOSIS 211 2.10.1. General evaluation of the national situation 211 2.10.2. Toxoplasmosis in humans 212 2.10.3. Toxoplasma in animals 215 2.11. RABIES 216 2.11.1. General evaluation of the national situation 216 2.11.2. Rabies in humans 218 2.11.3. Lyssavirus (rabies) in animals 219 3. INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC INDICATORS OF ANTIMICROBIAL 220 RESISTANCE 3.1. E. COLI INDICATORS 221 3.1.1. General evaluation of the national situation 221 3.1.2. Antimicrobial resistance in Escherichia coli isolates 221 4. FOODBORNE OUTBREAKS 222 Slovenia 2004
1. ANIMAL POPULATIONS The relevance of the findings on zoonoses and zoonotic agents has to be related to the size and nature of the animal population in the country. A. Information on susceptible animal population Sources of information: Source: Livestock numbers and number of holdings: Statistical office of the Republic of Slovenia Number of slaughtered animals: Veterinary Administration of the Republic of Slovenia Dates the figures relate to and the content of the figures: Reference date Livestock numbers and number of holdings: Reference date is the date the obtained data refer to. The reference date of this survey was 1 June 2003. Number of slaughtered animals: The number of slaughtered animals in 2004 Definitions used for different types of animals, herds, flocks and holdings as well as the types covered by the information: Definitions and other explanations Agricultural holding is a single unit, both organisational and operating, of agricultural area utilised, forests, buildings, equipment and labour force, which has a single management and which is engaged in agricultural production. Additional information METHODOLOGICAL EXPLANATIONS The purpose of the survey The Farm Structure Survey (FSS) is one of the basic statistical surveys in the field of agriculture. In accordance with EU regulation it is conducted as a census every 10 years. Between censuses it can be conducted as a sample survey. Within the framework of FSS 2003 regular annual survey on Areas Sown and Number of Livestock was carried out. Observation units Observation units are agricultural holdings satisfying the criteria of EU comparable threshold and all agricultural enterprises and cooperatives. Data on agricultural enterprises and cooperatives were collected by questionnaire by post. Slovenia 2004 1
Table 14.1 Susceptible animal populations: number of herds and holdings rearing animals * Only if different than current reporting year Animal species Category of animals Number of herds or flocks Number of holdings Year* Year* Cattle (bovine animals) calves (under 1 year) 34699 2003 young cattle (12 years) 31635 2003 cattle over 2 years 41038 2003 in total 46736 2003 Ducks in total 2373 2003 Gallus gallus broilers 4894 2003 laying hens 47888 2003 Geese in total 713 2003 Goats in total 3974 2003 Pigs fattening pigs 33008 2003 breeding animals 8477 2003 in total 39484 2003 Sheep in total 5281 2003 Solipeds horses in total 4728 2003 Turkeys in total 1365 2003 Ostriches in total 74 2003 Guinea fowl in total 241 2003 Footnote Source: Statistical office of the Republic of Slovenia Slovenia 2004 2
Table 14.2 Susceptible animal populations: number of animals * Only if different than current reporting year Animal species Category of animals Livestock numbers (live animals) Number of slaughtered animals Year* Year* Cattle (bovine animals) calves (under 1 year) 139962 2003 young cattle (12 years) 116691 2003 cattle over 2 years 221677 2003 in total 478331 2003 144884 Ducks in total 20304 2003 Gallus gallus broilers 2604304 2003 laying hens 1387408 2003 Geese in total 3862 2003 Goats in total 28690 2003 Pigs breeding animals 68566 2003 fattening pigs 228456 2003 in total 607881 2003 443513 Sheep in total 119631 2003 Solipeds horses in total 16879 2003 857 Turkeys in total 310285 2003 Gallus gallus and in total 27256871 turkeys Rabbits in total 138953 2003 51672 Sheep and goats in total 7183 Ostriches in total 320 2003 163 Guinea fowl in total 1037 2003 Footnote Source: Livestock numbers: Statistical office of the Republic of Slovenia Number of slaughtered animals: Veterinary Administration of the Republic of Slovenia Slovenia 2004 3
2. INFORMATION ON SPECIFIC ZOONOSES AND ZOONOTIC AGENTS Zoonoses are diseases or infections, which are naturally transmissible directly or indirectly between animals and humans. Foodstuffs serve often as vehicles of zoonotic infections. Zoonotic agents cover viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites or other biological entities that are likely to cause zoonoses. Slovenia 2004 4
2.1. SALMONELLOSIS 2.1.1. General evaluation of the national situation A. General evaluation History of the disease and/or infection in the country Humans Salmonella Typhi, S.Paratyphi are notified only as imported infections. In the year 2002 Institute of Public Health of the R. Slovenia received 2725 notifications and in year 2003 4005 (in year 2004 3277). Zoonotic agent in feed (2004) Some compound feedstuffs were contaminated with Salmonella. Of a total of 183 samples ( batches) examined, the presence of Salmonella was detected in 4 samples (2,2%). 77 samples of feed material of animal origin and 36 samples of feed of vegetable origin were taken. Salmonella was not isolated from any sample. Zoonotic agent in animals (2004) 129 breeding flocks of Gallus gallus in total were examined (day old chicks, flocks during rearing and production). Salmonella was isolated in 3 flocks (2,3 %), and S. Enteritidis was confirmed in 2 adult flocks (1,5%). 164 laying hen flocks in total (rearing and production period) were examined. Salmonella was isolated in 4 flocks (2,1 %), and S. Enteritidis was confirmed in 1 adult flock. 1146 broiler flocks were examined. S. Enteritidis was isolated three times (30 % of all positive flocks) and S. Infantis, S. Saintpaul and S. Heidelberg once each. In 2004, salmonellosis in pigs and cattle was not reported. Zoonotic agent in food (2004) 191 samples of fresh poultry meat, and 44 samples of mechanically recovered meat were taken at slaughterhouses and retail. Salmonella was isolated from 8 samples of fresh meatall of them are broiler meat (4,2 %), and from 1 sample of mechanically recovered meat (2,3 %). S. Enteritidis was isolated in 7 cases. 402 samples of fresh and minced red meat were taken at the registered slaughterhouses and retail. Salmonella was isolated from 1 sample (S.Typhimurium). Altogether 149 samples of table eggs and egg products were taken. Salmonella was not isolated from any sample. 188 milk samples at processing plant, 70 samples of cheeses and 170 samples of ice cream at retail were taken and examined. Salmonella was not isolated from any sample. National evaluation of the recent situation, the trends and sources of infection Humans Salmonella infections remain public health problem. The burden of disease is higher in last three years. In last years Salmonella Enteritidis encounters more than 90% of Salmonella isolates in Slovenia. Feed As compared to the preceding year, the state in 2004 was more favourable. Animals Slovenia 2004 5
In 2004, the breeding flock status was identical to that of the preceding year, where Salmonella was not detected in the flocks intended for egg production, and 1 nonspecified flock was found positive in 2003 as well as in 2004. As compared to the preceding year, the number of positive breading flocks for meat production line in which S. enteritridis was isolated, remained unchanged (1 flock). In 2003 Salmonella was detected in 7 laying flocks during rearing period (23 % of rearing flocks examined, or 8 % of all flocks examined), where S. Enteritidis was identified five times, and once S. Typhimurium. As compared to the preceding year, the state in 2004 regarding the prevalence was more favourable. As compared to 2003 where Salmonella had been isolated in 39 broiler flocks from a total of more than 673 examined, the state in 2004 was more favourable. Food As compared to the preceding year, the state in 2004 was more favourable as the percentage of positive samples of mechanically recovered meat and the percentage of positive samples of fresh broiler meat halved. State regarding the occurrence of Salmonella in turkey meat in 2004 was identical to that in the preceding year as in 2003 as well there were no positive samples detected. In general favourable situation in food continued in 2004. Slovenia 2004 6
2.1.2. Salmonellosis in humans A. Salmonellosis in humans Reporting system in place for the human cases Salmonella cases are notifiable by national law on infectious diseases. Medical doctors notify cases on daily basis to local institutes of public health. (Also laboratories are obliged to notify). Local institutes of public health notify disease to Institute of Public Health of R. Slovenia. Notification since second World War. Case definition According to definition of commission of the EU communities. Diagnostic/analytical methods used Serologic and biochemical identification: SS agar and selen medium. Notification system in place Salmonella cases are notifiable by national law on infectious diseases. Medical doctors notify cases on daily basis to local institutes of public health. Local institutes of public health notify disease to Institute of Public Health of R. Slovenia. Medical doctors also report outbreaks of salmonella infections. Notification since second World War. History of the disease and/or infection in the country After the second World War only Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphy were notified. In 1950s Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi infections were more and more rare, other salmonella serotypes were more and more frequent. From 1946 to 1953 3414 cases of Salmonella Typhi and 3415 cases of Salmonella Paratyphi were notified. Among them 180 patients with Salmonella Typhi and 41 patients with Salmonella Paratyphi died. After year 1953 epidemiological situation changed. More other Salmonella serotypes (Salmonella Typhimurium, Choleraesuis, Enteritidis etc.) were identified and less Salmonella Typhi and Paratyphi. From the year 1954 to 2000 188 serotypes of Salmonella were identified and 82 742 notifications of Salmonella gastroenteritis in Slovenia. In last years Salmonella Enteritidis encounters more than 90% of Salmonella isolates in Slovenia. Salmonella Typhi, S.Paratyphi are notified only as imported infections. Results of the investigation After 1997, number of notifications of Salmonella gastroenteritis increased. In the year 2002 Institute of Public Health of the R. Slovenia received 2725 notifications and in year 2003 4005 (in year 2004 3277). Incidence of Salmonella gastroenteritis in the year 2003 reached 201 / 100 000 inhabitants, the burden of disease is quite high. Important fact is also that the real number of Salmonella Slovenia 2004 7
infections is not known; incidence is estimated from the data on Salmonella notifications. (Further studies are needed to estimate the burden of disease). National evaluation of the recent situation, the trends and sources of infection Salmonella infections remain public health problem. The burden of disease is higher in last three years. Relevance as zoonotic disease Poultry and eggs remain source of infection. Slovenia 2004 8
Table 3.4.1.A Salmonellosis in man species/serotype distribution Cases Cases Inc Autochtone cases Autochtone Inc Imported cases Imported Inc unknown status Salmonella 3247 160 0 0 0 0 3243 S. Coeln 11 0,5 11 S. Derby 4 0,2 S. Enteritidis 3103 155,4 3103 S. Stanleyville 7 0,35 7 S. Typhimurium 33 1,6 33 Salmonella spp. 89 4,4 89 Slovenia 2004 9
Table 3.4.1.B Salmonellosis in man age distribution S. Coeln S. Derby S. Enteritidis S. Stanleyville S. Typhimurium Salmonella spp. Age Distribution All M F All M F All M F All M F All M F All M F <1 year 0 0 0 0 0 0 68 32 36 2 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 3 1 to 4 years 5 3 2 1 0 1 411 222 189 2 0 2 9 4 5 18 9 9 5 to 14 years 1 1 0 0 0 0 657 298 359 1 1 0 8 5 3 18 11 7 15 to 24 years 2 1 1 2 2 0 436 229 207 1 0 1 4 2 2 14 7 7 25 to 44 years 2 1 1 1 0 1 711 317 394 0 0 0 5 1 4 12 6 6 45 to 64 years 0 0 0 0 0 0 515 226 289 1 1 0 4 2 2 17 10 7 65 years and older 1 1 0 0 0 0 335 115 220 0 0 0 2 1 10 3 7 Age unknown 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total : 11 7 4 4 2 2 3133 1439 1694 7 3 4 33 15 17 89 46 46 Slovenia 2004 10
Table 3.4.2 Salmonellosis in man seasonal distribution S. Coeln S. Derby S. Enteritidis S. Stanleyville S. Typhimurium Salmonella spp. Month Cases Cases Cases Cases Cases Cases January 0 2 118 0 1 7 February 0 0 60 0 0 6 March 0 0 160 0 3 6 April 0 1 116 0 1 7 May 1 0 264 0 1 4 June 1 0 222 0 1 7 July 1 0 423 2 3 7 August 3 1 519 2 6 19 September 4 0 387 1 5 7 October 1 0 332 1 3 8 November 0 0 192 1 8 4 December 0 0 340 0 1 7 not known 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total : 11 4 3133 7 33 89 Slovenia 2004 11
2.1.3. Salmonella in foodstuffs A. Salmonella spp in eggs and egg products Monitoring system Sampling strategy Monitoring at retail Annual monitoring programme was prepared with respect to the results of programme/controls carried out in the previous year, epidemiological situation, Commission Recommendation concerning a coordinated programme for the official control of foodstuffs. The majority of samples were taken in cities with 10000 inhabitants or more and number of samples taken was proportional with the population in the region. There were taken at the retail level where sampling could give an overview over the situation. Sampling carried out by health inspectors. Programme: 50 samples of table eggs and 99 samples of egg products per annum Frequency of the sampling Eggs at retail Sampling takes place during the months April May Egg products (at production plant and at retail) Sampling takes place during the months March May Type of specimen taken Eggs at egg packing centres (foodstuff based approach) Mixture of yolk and white Egg products (at production plant and at retail) Mixture of yolk and white Definition of positive finding Eggs at retail A sample from which Salmonella has been isolated. Egg products (at production plant and at retail) A sample from which Salmonella has been isolated. Diagnostic/analytical methods used Eggs at retail Slovenia 2004 12
Bacteriological method: ISO 6579:2002 Egg products (at production plant and at retail) Bacteriological method: ISO 6579:2002 Preventive measures in place GMP, GHP, HACCP Measures in case of the positive findings Additional sampling was carried out and other necessary enforcement actions. Notification system in place Whenever zoonotic agentsalmonella is detected in samples taken, relevant authorities must be informed. Results of the investigation Within the monitoring programme 50 samples of table eggs and 99 samples of egg products were taken. Salmonella was not isolated from any sample. B. Salmonella spp. in broiler meat and products thereof Monitoring system Sampling strategy At slaughterhouse and cutting plant Monitoring is carried out in accordance with the Compulsory instructions on the taking of official samples for zoonoses. Official veterinarians carry out the sampling of meat and mechanically recovered meat at all the registered poultry slaughterhouses. At retail Annual monitoring programme was prepared with respect to the results of programme/controls carried out in the previous year, epidemiological situation, Commission Recommendation concerning a coordinated programme for the official control of foodstuffs. The majority of samples were taken in cities with 10000 inhabitants or more and number of samples taken was proportional with the population in the region. There were taken at the retail level where sampling could give an overview over the situation. Sampling carried out by health inspectors. Programme: 100 samples of fresh poultry meat per annum. Frequency of the sampling Slovenia 2004 13
At slaughterhouse and cutting plant Other: Sampling of meat in the highcapacity establishments (establishments approved for the intracommunity trade) /1 sample of meat per month. Sampling of meat in the lowcapacity establishments (establishments approved for placing of meat on the internal market of the Republic of Slovenia only)/ 1 sample of meat per month.sampling of mechanically recovered meat: 1 sample of MRM per month. At retail Sampling takes place during the months FebruaryJune Type of specimen taken At slaughterhouse and cutting plant Other: Fresh meat, mechanically separated meat At retail Fresh meat Definition of positive finding At slaughterhouse and cutting plant Meat: sample shall be considered positive where the causative agent has been isolated from the sample. At retail A sample from which Salmonella has been isolated. Diagnostic/analytical methods used At slaughterhouse and cutting plant Bacteriological method: ISO 6579:2002 At retail Bacteriological method: ISO 6579:2002 Preventive measures in place GMP, GHP, HACCP At the moment food business operators introduce the system of additional labelling of poultry meat which includes special warning to the customers to treat poultry meat at requested temperature before any use. Measures in case of the positive findings or single cases Monitoring at reatail: Slovenia 2004 14
Additional sampling was carried out and other necessary enforcement actions. Since product was no longer on the market at the time of receiving analytical results of samples taken at the retail level in all cases in house control was required. Notification system in place Whenever zoonotic agentsalmonella is detected in samples taken, relevant authorities must be informed. Results of the investigation Monitoring at slaughterhouse and cutting plant: 79 samples of fresh meat, and 30 samples of mechanically recovered meat were taken at slaughterhouses. Salmonella was isolated from 1 sample of fresh meat (1,3 %), and from 1 sample of mechanically recovered meat (3,3 %). S. Enteritidis was isolated in both the cases. Monitoring at retail: Out of 95 samples of meat taken, 7,4% were positive on presence of Salmonella spp. Detailed evaluation of data shows that 5,3% of fowl/chicken were positive on presence of Salmonella Enteritidis and 2,1% were positive on presense of Salmonella Infantis. National evaluation of the recent situation, the trends and sources of infection Monitoring at slaughterhouse and cutting plant: In 2003, Salmonella was isolated from 2 samples (3.1 %) of fresh meat, and from 2 samples (10 %) of mechanically recovered meat. As compared to the preceding year, the state in 2004 was more favourable as the percentage of positive samples of mechanically recovered meat decreased by almost 7 %, and the percentage of positive samples of fresh meat halved. C. Salmonella spp. in turkey meat and products thereof Monitoring system Sampling strategy At slaughterhouse and cutting plant Monitoring is carried out in accordance with the Compulsory instructions on the taking of official samples for zoonoses. Official veterinarians carry out the sampling of meat and mechanically recovered meat at all the registered poultry slaughterhouses. At retail Annual monitoring programme was prepared with respect to the results of programme/controls carried out in the previous year, epidemiological situation, Commission Recommendation concerning a coordinated programme for the official control of foodstuffs. The majority of samples were taken in cities with 10000 inhabitants or more and number of samples taken was proportional with the population in the region. There were taken at the retail level where sampling could give an overview over Slovenia 2004 15
the situation. Sampling carried out by health inspectors. Programme: 100 samples of fresh poultry meat pre annum. Frequency of the sampling At slaughterhouse and cutting plant Other: Sampling of meat in the highcapacity establishments (establishments approved for the intracommunity trade) /1 sample of meat per month. At retail Sampling takes place during the months February June Type of specimen taken At slaughterhouse and cutting plant Other: Fresh meat and mechanically separated meat At retail Fresh meat Definition of positive finding At slaughterhouse and cutting plant Meat sample shall be considered positive where the causative agent has been isolated from the sample. At retail A sample from which Salmonella has been isolated. Diagnostic/analytical methods used At slaughterhouse and cutting plant Bacteriological method: ISO 6579:2002 At retail Bacteriological method: ISO 6579:2002 Preventive measures in place GMP, GHP, HACCP At the moment food business operators introduce the system of additional labelling of poultry meat which includes special warning to the customers to treat poultry meat at requested temperature before any use. Measures in case of the positive findings or single cases Slovenia 2004 16
Additional sampling was carried out and other necessary enforcement actions. Since product was no longer on the market at the time of receiving analytical results of samples taken at the retail level in all cases in house control was required. Notification system in place Whenever zoonotic agentsalmonella is detected in samples taken, relevant authorities must be informed. Results of the investigation Monitoring at slaughterhouse and cutting plant In one (1) registered highcapacity slaughterhouse intended for turkey slaughter, 12 samples of fresh meat and 14 samples of mechanically recovered meat were taken. Salmonella was not isolated from any sample. Monitoring at retail Only 5 samples of turkey meat were analysed and all samples were negative. National evaluation of the recent situation, the trends and sources of infection Monitoring at slaughterhouse and cutting plant State regarding the occurrence of Salmonella in turkey meat in 2004 was identical to that in the preceding year as in 2003 as well there were no positive samples detected. D. Salmonella spp. in pig meat and products thereof Monitoring system Sampling strategy At slaughterhouse and cutting plant Sampling is carried out regularly throughout the year at all the registered slaughterhouses for porcine animals. Sampling includes 1 sample of meat per 2000 porcine animals slaughtered. Slaughterhouse official veterinarians carry out the sampling. At retail Annual monitoring programme was prepared with respect to the results of programme/controls carried out in the previous year, epidemiological situation, Commission Recommendation concerning a coordinated programme for the official control of foodstuffs. The majority of samples were taken in cities with 10000 inhabitants or more and number of samples taken was proportional with the population in the region. There were taken at the retail level where sampling could give an overview over the situation. Sampling carried out by health inspectors. Programme: 100 samples of fresh red meat ( pig meat or bovine meat or meat from sheep or goat meat or soliped meat) per annum. Slovenia 2004 17
Frequency of the sampling At slaughterhouse and cutting plant Other: 1 sample of meat per 2000 porcine animals slaughtered At retail Sampling takes place during the months May August Type of specimen taken At slaughterhouse and cutting plant Fresh meat At retail Fresh meat Definition of positive finding At slaughterhouse and cutting plant Meat: sample shall be considered positive where the causative agent has been isolated from the sample. At retail A sample from which Salmonella has been isolated. Diagnostic/analytical methods used At slaughterhouse and cutting plant Bacteriological method: ISO 6579:2002 At retail Bacteriological method: ISO 6579:2002 Preventive measures in place GMP, GHP, HACCP Measures in case of the positive findings or single cases Monitoiring at retail Additional sampling was carried out and other necessary enforcement actions. Notification system in place Whenever zoonotic agentsalmonella is detected in samples taken, relevant authorities must be informed. Slovenia 2004 18
Results of the investigation Monitoring at slaughterhouse 188 samples of fresh meat of porcine animals were taken at the registered slaughterhouses. Salmonella was not isolated from any sample. Monitoring at retail Results show that all samples of fresh red meat (n=100) taken at the retail level were classified as satisfactory for Salmonella spp. Salmonella was not isolated. National evaluation of the recent situation, the trends and sources of infection Monitoring at slaughterhouse In 2003, 112 samples were taken. Salmonella was not isolated. Favourable situation continued in 2004. E. Salmonella spp. in food Monitoring system Sampling strategy Monitoring at processing plants Sampling of milk products is carried out at all the registered dairy establishments. Sampling of wild boar meat is carried out in the registered establishments. Official veterinarians carry out sampling throughout the year. Monitoring at retail Annual monitoring programme was prepared with respect to the results of programme/controls carried out in the previous year, epidemiological situation, Commission Recommendation concerning a coordinated programme for the official control of foodstuffs. The majority of samples were taken in cities with 10000 inhabitants or more and number of samples taken was proportional with the population in the region. There were taken at the retail level where sampling could give an overview over the situation. Sampling carried out by health inspectors. Programme: prepared dishes 230 samples, cheeses 70 samples, minced meat 114 samples, vegetables and fruits 100 samples, fishery products 50 samples, juice 18 samples, spices and herbs 50 samples, ice cream 170 samples, sandwiches 40 samples Frequency of the sampling Monitoring at processing plants Sampling of milk products in highcapacity establishments / 2 samples per month Sampling of milk products in lowcapacity establishments (limited capacity establishments) / 1 sample per month. Sampling of wild boar meat in highcapacity establishments (establishments approved for the intracommunity trade) /1 sample of meat per 3 months Sampling of wild boar meat in lowcapacity establishments (establishments approved for Slovenia 2004 19
placing of meat on the internal market of the Republic of Slovenia only) / 2 samples of meat per year at a 3month interval. Monitoring at retail Sampling takes place during the months. Prepared dishes: February July Cheeses: March June Minced meat, vegetables and fruits: May August Fishery products: July August Juice: October Spices and herbs, ice cream: June September Sandwich: November Definition of positive finding Sample shall be considered positive where the causative agent has been isolated from the sample. Diagnostic/analytical methods used Bacteriological method: ISO 6579:2002; Cor.2004 Preventive measures in place GMP, GHP, HACCP Measures in case of the positive findings or single cases Additional sampling was carried out and other necessary enforcement actions. Notification system in place Whenever zoonotic agentsalmonella is detected in samples taken, relevant authorities must be informed. Results of the investigation Monitoring at processing plants 188 samples of milk products and 9 samples of fresh meat of wild boars were taken and examined. Salmonella was not isolated from any sample. Monitoring at retail A total of 842 samples were taken at restaurants, retail and catering. Salmonella was detected in one sample of minced meat. National evaluation of the recent situation, the trends and sources of infection Monitoring at processing plants State regarding the detection of causative agent in milk products and in the fresh meat of wild boars is very favourable as the results of all samples examined in 2003 and 2004 were negative. Slovenia 2004 20
Table 3.3.1 Salmonella sp. in meat and meat products Source of information Remarks Epidemiological unit Sample weight Units tested Units positive S. Enteritidis S. Typhimurium S. Infantis Pig meat fresh at slaughter sample 25g 188 0 Broiler meat fresh at slaughter sample 25g 79 1 1 at retail (1) sample 25g/25ml 95 7 5 2 mechanically separated sample 25g 30 1 1 meat Turkey meat fresh at slaughter sample 25g 12 0 at retail (2) sample 25g/25ml 5 0 mechanically separated sample 25g 14 0 meat Mixed meat minced meat at retail sample 25g 114 1 1 Wild game meat land mammals fresh (3) sample 25g 9 0 red meat fresh at retail sample 25g 100 0 (1) : Sample weight: 25mlrinse (2) : Sample weight: 25mlrinse (3) : Wild boar Slovenia 2004 21
Table 3.3.2 Salmonella sp. in other food Source of information Remarks Epidemiological unit Sample weight Units tested Units positive S. Enteritidis S. Typhimurium Dairy products readytoeat at processing plant batch 25g 188 0 icecream sample 25g 170 0 Table eggs at retail sample 25g 50 0 Egg products sample 25g 99 0 Fishery products at retail sample 25g 50 0 Cheeses soft and semi soft at retail sample 25g 70 0 Other processed food products sandwich at retail sample 25g 40 0 prepared dishes at retail sample 25g 230 0 Juice sample 25g 18 0 Fruits precut sample 25g 73 0 Vegetables sample 25g 27 0 Spices and herbs sample 25g 50 0 Slovenia 2004 22
2.1.4. Salmonella in animals A. Salmonella spp. in Gallus gallus breeding flocks for egg production and flocks of laying hens Monitoring system Sampling strategy Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary) Sampling shall be carried out in all breeding flocks including at least 250 birds. Animal owner or holder of activity of the hatchery shall at his own expense take samples for analysis in order to detect the presence of Salmonella. Sampling shall be carried out at poultry breeding holdings or in hatcheries. Every eight weeks the sampling carried out by the holder of activity in the adult breeding flocks shall be substituted by the official sampling, carried out by the official veterinarians. Laying hens flocks Sampling shall be carried out in all the flocks at holdings keeping laying hens, which include more than 200 birds. Sampling shall be carried out by the authorised veterinary organisations within the scope of the prescribed regular monitoring. Frequency of the sampling Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Dayold chicks Every flock is sampled Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Rearing period Other: At four weeks of age and two weeks prior to entering the laying phase. Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Production period Every two weeks Laying hens: Dayold chicks Other: Sample of chicks found dead in a single day or of the bedding or faeces in case of the increased mortality (more than 0,5 % per day) upon arrival (on the introduction of birds into the accommodation facilities). Laying hens: Rearing period Slovenia 2004 23
Other: Sample of chicks found dead in a single day or of the bedding or faeces in case of the increased mortality (more than 0,5 % per day) during the breeding period. Sample of chicks found dead in a single day or of the bedding or faeces in week 8 and 16 of age of the birds. Laying hens: Production period Other: Sample of hens found dead in a single day or of the bedding or faeces in case of the increased mortality (more than 0,5 % per day) during the laying period; sample of the bedding or faeces and a sample of table eggs (5 % or up to a maximum of 60 eggs) every 3 months in the laying phase. Type of specimen taken Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Dayold chicks Other: Sampling from the internal linings of the boxes in which the chicks have been delivered to the holding, and from the carcasses of chicks found dead on arrival. Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Rearing period Other: Pooled faeces samples made up of separate samples of fresh faeces each weighing not less than 1 g taken at random from a number of sites in the building in which the birds are kept, or, where the birds have free access to more than one building on a particular holding, from each group of buildings on the holding in which the birds are kept. Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Production period Other: Sample shall be taken in accordance with the prescribed scheme (Directive 92/117/EEC). Laying hens: Dayold chicks Other: Dead chicks or of the bedding or faeces. Laying hens: Rearing period Other: Dead chicks or of the bedding or faeces. Laying hens: Production period Other: Dead chicks or of the bedding or faeces and a sample of table eggs. Methods of sampling (description of sampling techniques) Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Dayold chicks Slovenia 2004 24
In accordance with Council Directive 92/117/EEC. Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Rearing period Case definition In accordance with Council Directive 92/117/EEC. Breeding flocks: Production period In accordance with Council Directive 92/117/EEC. Laying hens: Dayold chicks See Frequency of the sampling Laying hens: Rearing period See Frequency of the sampling Laying hens: Production period See Frequency of the sampling Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Dayold chicks Flock shall be considered positive where the causative agent has been identified in the confirmatory sample of the official sampling. Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Rearing period See Breeding flocks: Dayold chicks Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Production period See Breeding flocks: Dayold chicks Laying hens: Dayold chicks The disease shall be considered officially confirmed where the bacteriological investigation results, upon the examination of the dead bird carcasses and/or bedding and feed after the reported suspicion of disease on the basis of clinical signs, or the bacteriological investigation results of the monitoring for the salmonelloses in poultry have been positive; in the opposite case it shall be considered that the disease has officially been ruled out. Laying hens: Rearing period See Laying hens: Dayold chicks Slovenia 2004 25
Laying hens: Production period See Laying hens: Dayold chicks Diagnostic/analytical methods used Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Dayold chicks Bacteriological method: Method in accordance with the OIE Manual, 5th ed., 2004 Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Rearing period Bacteriological method: Method in accordance with the OIE Manual, 5th ed., 2004 Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Production period Bacteriological method: Method in accordance with the OIE Manual, 5th ed., 2004 Laying hens: Dayold chicks Bacteriological method: Method in accordance with the OIE Manual, 5th ed., 2004 Laying hens: Rearing period Bacteriological method: Method in accordance with the OIE Manual, 5th ed., 2004 Laying hens: Production period Bacteriological method: Method in accordance with the OIE Manual, 5th ed., 2004 Other preventive measures than vaccination in place Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary) Persons, who in carrying out a registered activity of breeding or production come into direct contact with animals, foodstuffs, raw materials, products or waste, must have thorough knowledge in contagious animal diseases, the prevention thereof and transmissibility to man, and in the regulations governing the protection against contagious diseases. Animal holders must carry out preventive measures as for instance: providing potable water and feed that are fit for consumption; providing and maintaining the required conditions of hygiene in the animal breeding and auxiliary facilities; preventing the Slovenia 2004 26
introduction into the breeding facilities of disease agents; implementing veterinary measures in the intensive animal rearing technology; handling as prescribed the animal carcasses and other waste, waste waters, faeces and urine; providing for the preventive disinfection, disinsectisation and deratisation (DDD) in the facilities, on public surfaces and in the means of transport. Laying hens flocks See Breeding flocks Control program/mechanisms The control program/strategies in place Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary) National control programme is carried out in accordance with the national legislation, on the basis of the Rules on the monitoring of zoonoses and zoonotic agents in poultry breeding flocks (transposing Council Directive 92/117/EEC), and the Instructions on measures for the detection, prevention and suppression of salmonellosis. The control programme envisages inter alia as follows: Immediately upon the reported suspicion of disease at the suspect holding, the following shall be instituted on the basis of an expert instruction: banning the movements and alienation of animals susceptible to the disease; banning the issuing of health certificates for animals susceptible to the disease; banning the trade in eggs for consumption; banning the slaughter of animals susceptible to the disease; restricting the movements of persons coming into contact with the infected animal or animal suspected of being infected, and providing for and maintaining the appropriate conditions of hygiene in the facilities. Measures shall be instituted as long as the suspicion of disease has not officially been ruled out. Laying hens flocks National control programme is carried out in accordance with the national legislation, on the basis of the Instructions on measures for the detection, prevention and suppression of salmonellosis. The control programme envisages inter alia as follows: Implementation of monitoring and immediate confirmation of the disease in case of the suspected presence on the basis of clinical signs or detection of the disease in other animals at the same holding, by taking samples for the diagnostic purposes, epizootiological investigation, and instituting appropriate measures immediately upon suspecting the presence of disease at the suspect holding. Measures shall be instituted as long as the suspicion of disease has not officially been ruled out. Instituting of supplementary measures in the infected holding. Measures in case of the positive findings or single cases Slovenia 2004 27
Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary) On the official confirmation of disease, the following measures shall be instituted at the holding in addition to those instituted at the suspected presence of disease: incoming raw materials to constitute poultry feed shall be decontaminated by the appropriate procedure; premises, instruments and tools in the places of poultry feed production and storage shall be disinfected by the appropriate disinfectant; premises, installations, packaging and equipment in hatcheries and vehicles intended for the transport of poultry and eggs shall be disinfected by the appropriate procedure and disinfectant; hatching eggs shall be disinfected by the bactericidal gas immediately upon collection, as well as the hatchers; eggs placed in the hatcher on the same day shall be disinfected by the bactericidal gas on day 18 or 19; hatched poultry shall be disinfected by the bactericidal gas as long as it is still moist and in the hatcher; unhatched eggs, deformed hatchlings and other hatching waste shall be harmlessly disposed of; DDD measures shall be carried out in the infected poultry breeding facilities and in the facilities for the production of eggs and poultrymeat, and no later than the second day after disinfection, the bacteriological control of its efficiency shall be carried out; manure shall be removed from the perimeter of the holding, packed and not used for three months upon packing; poultry shall be treated by an appropriate antibiotic or chemotherapeutic agent on the basis of antibiogram, and other measures for sanitising the infected holding shall be implemented. Measures instituted at the infected holding shall be lifted: Where the results of bacteriological investigations, carried out on days 5 and 10 after implementation of measures and completion of treatment, are negative. Laying hens flocks On the official confirmation of disease, the following measures shall be instituted at the holding in addition to those instituted at the suspected presence of disease: incoming raw materials to constitute poultry feed shall be decontaminated by the appropriate procedure; premises, instruments and tools in the places of poultry feed production and storage shall be disinfected by the appropriate disinfectant; vehicles intended for the transport of poultry and eggs shall be disinfected by the appropriate procedure and disinfectant; DDD measures shall be carried out in the infected poultry breeding facilities and in the facilities for the production of eggs and poultrymeat, and no later than the second day after disinfection, the bacteriological control of its efficiency shall be carried out; manure shall be removed from the perimeter of the holding, packed and not used for three months upon packing; poultry shall be treated by an appropriate antibiotic or chemotherapeutic agent on the Slovenia 2004 28
basis of antibiogram, and other measures for sanitising the infected holding shall be implemented. Measures instituted at the infected holding shall be lifted: Where the results of bacteriological investigations, carried out on days 7 and 14 after implementation of measures and completion of treatment, are negative. Notification system in place Breeding flock: In case that by monitoring the presence of Salmonella in a breeding flock is detected, the holder of the flock must officially notify VARS of the results. The laboratory must submit the diagnostic test results to the Main Office of VARS. This method of reporting must be carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Rules on the monitoring of zoonoses and zoonotic agents in poultry breeding flocks (transposing Council Directive 92/117/EEC) since 2004, and prior to that date, the method of reporting diseases was used as prescribed in the Rules on contagious animal diseases. Laying hens: In case of disease, the veterinary organisation must notify the relevant Regional Office of VARS, where the disease has been confirmed by the diagnostic test result. The report on the occurrence of disease is to be submitted on a monthly basis by the tenth day in a month for the previous month. The authorised laboratory submits the diagnostic test results to the relevant Regional Office of VARS, and to the consigner of samples. Once a month and no later than the 20th day in the month, the authorised laboratories and Regional Offices of VARS must report on the diagnostic test results to the Office for Contagious Animal Diseases within VARS. This method of reporting is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Rules on contagious animal diseases (applicable since 2002), and the reporting as such has been compulsory since 1996. Results of the investigation 52 breeding flocks intended for egg production have been examined. All the flocks examined were negative: Salmonella was not isolated. In addition, 42 flocks of nonspecified line were examined for the presence of Salmonella, which was confirmed in 1 adult breeding flock and S. Enteritidis was isolated. 164 laying hen flocks in total were examined, where most flocks were examined in the laying phase, i.e. 112. Examined were also the following flock quantities: 3 flocks of dayold chicks, 36 flocks immediately upon introduction into the production phase, and 16 flocks of nonspecified phase. Salmonella was isolated in 4 flocks (2,4 %), and S. Enteritidis was confirmed in 1 adult flock. National evaluation of the recent situation, the trends and sources of infection In 2004, the breeding flock status was identical to that of the preceding year, where Salmonella was not detected in the flocks intended for egg production, and 1 nonspecified flock was found positive in 2003 as well as in 2004. In 2003, a total of 88 laying hen flocks were examined, and thereof 4 flocks of dayold chicks, 30 breeding flocks, 39 adult flocks, and 15 flocks without age category indication. Salmonella was detected in 7 rearing flocks (23 % of rearing flocks examined, or 8 % of all flocks examined), where S. Enteritidis was identified five times, and once S. Typhimurium. Slovenia 2004 29
As compared to the preceding year, the state in 2004 regarding the prevalence was more favourable. Nevertheless, some difference was observed in the occurrence of Salmonella at the different stages of rearing, as in 2003 it was detected in rearing flocks only, whilst in 2004 it was detected also in adult laying hen flocks. B. Salmonella spp. in Gallus gallus breeding flocks for meat production and broiler flocks Monitoring system Sampling strategy Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary) In accordance with Annex III of Council Directive 92/117/EEC. Broiler flocks Twice a year, sampling shall be carried out in all the holdings rearing poultry for productionbroilers. Sampling shall be carried out by the authorised veterinary organisations within the prescribed regular monitoring. Frequency of the sampling Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Dayold chicks Every flock is sampled Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Rearing period Other: Transposing Council Directive 92/117/EEC (Annex III). Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Production period Other: Transposing Council Directive 92/117/EEC (Annex III). Broiler flocks: Before slaughter at farm Other: Sample of bedding of the flocks, twice a year and at least 3 weeks prior to slaughter. Type of specimen taken Breeding flocks (separate elite, grand parent and parent flocks when necessary): Dayold chicks Other: Transposing Council Directive 92/117/EEC (Annex III). Slovenia 2004 30