Surveillance van landbouwhuisdieren op CPE (BO-43-111-009, BO-43-013.03-002, BO-20-016-006)

Sources for introduction of CPE into animals are mainly humans who carry such organisms in their gut. This can happen in the Netherlands, but also abroad and subsequently being introduced into live animals via trade flows. Wastewater from hospitals or places where human faeces are processed, such as sewer overflows, can also be sources of the spread of such organisms. In connection with the concern about the possible introduction of CP into the food chain, active surveillance is being carried out in food-producing animals.

This active surveillance consists of screening at least 1200 faecal samples from broilers, fattening pigs, veal calves and dairy cows for CPE using classical breeding and PCR. To date, no CPE has been found in farm animals in the Netherlands. However, there is an increasing number of reports from other European countries. Different types of CPE have been found in fattening pigs (Germany and Italy) and in broiler chickens (Germany). In view of these developments and the heavy trade within the EU, the chance of an introduction of CPE in the Netherlands is considered realistic. For this reason, continuous surveillance is important. Once CPE is found, the risk for introduction to humans will be estimated based on the prevalence and genetic characteristics of the bacteria found. Based on this risk assessment, the government will consider appropriate measures.