Guest post by Fabiana Surace, Chief Marketing Officer at Cynomys
An analysis for farmers and livestock professionals through the One Health lens
Introduction
Over the past year, surveillance of zoonotic diseases in Europe has shown that infections transmitted between animals and humans continue to represent a major challenge for public health, food safety and livestock supply chain management. The European Union One Health 2024 Zoonoses Report, prepared by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) in collaboration with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), provides a comprehensive overview based on data collected in 2024 from 27 EU Member States, the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland) and several non-EU countries. (ECDC)
The One Health approach integrates human, animal, food and environmental health to support targeted risk prevention and management decisions.
1. Key Data and Emerging Trends
Most Reported Zoonoses in 2024
According to the One Health Report, the five zoonotic diseases most frequently reported in humans were:
- Campylobacteriosis
- Salmonellosis
- Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infections
- Listeriosis
- Echinococcosis
These pathogens were the leading causes of zoonotic disease in the EU in 2024, with the first four showing increasing trends compared to previous years.
Trends over Recent Years
The report highlights a rise in reported cases of campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis, STEC infections and listeriosis over the past five years, reflecting both greater circulation of these pathogens and improved surveillance and reporting capabilities.
Food, Animals and Outbreaks
In addition to human infections, data show an increase in food-borne outbreaks. In 2024, the number of epidemic outbreaks increased by more than 14% compared to 2023, with more cases and hospitalisations reported, while the overall number of deaths slightly decreased.
2. Zoonoses of Particular Importance for Livestock
Campylobacteriosis and Salmonellosis
For livestock producers—especially in poultry and cattle sectors—campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis remain key safety indicators across the food chain. These infections are frequently linked to contamination of meat, eggs and other animal-derived products, and are among the most reported zoonoses in humans.
3. Practical Implications for Farmers
Biosecurity and Health Management
- Strict supply chain controls: the presence of zoonotic agents along food chains requires robust biosecurity protocols, including periodic microbiological testing of animals, feed and water.
- Hygiene in post-harvest handling: cross-contamination between meats, slaughter environments and products must be prevented through proper hygiene and sanitisation practices.
- Animal monitoring: continuous monitoring of livestock and tracking rearing conditions are essential for early detection of outbreaks from agents such as STEC and Listeria.
Prevention Through Best Practices
- Personnel training: operators must be trained in personal hygiene and proper handling procedures for animals and products.
- Collaboration with veterinary services: data sharing and analysis with veterinarians and health authorities facilitate timely responses to epidemiological signals.
4. The One Health Approach: What It Means for Producers
The concept of One Health goes beyond animal or human health alone, emphasising their close interconnectedness with the environment. Modern livestock systems are complex ecosystems where factors such as water quality, waste management and wildlife presence can influence the spread of zoonotic agents.
This approach requires integrated monitoring that brings together animal health data, food safety, environmental conditions and human cases to support early and targeted intervention.
5. What’s New in 2024 Compared to Previous Years
Key developments in 2024 include:
- Campylobacteriosis becoming the most frequently reported zoonosis across both national and EU contexts.
- Increased food-borne outbreaks at the EU level, with a rise in cases but relative stability in fatalities.
- Upgraded surveillance tools, including interactive dashboards and trend analysis maps.
6. Recommendations for the Livestock Sector
Strengthen Internal Surveillance
Implement regular monitoring programmes to detect zoonotic agents early throughout production chains.
Adopt Advanced Biosecurity Measures
Beyond basic practices, structural measures—such as sanitary barriers and separate movement flows for animals and personnel—can significantly reduce transmission risks.
Foster Cross-Sector Collaboration
Information exchange with veterinarians, health authorities and other producers is crucial for coordinated risk management.
Continuous Education
Ongoing training on zoonoses, food safety and contamination prevention is a strategic advantage for product quality and market competitiveness.
Conclusion
The European Union One Health 2024 Zoonoses Report confirms that zoonotic diseases remain a priority for public health and the safety of livestock supply chains.
For producers, understanding epidemiological trends, applying effective biosecurity protocols and participating in integrated surveillance systems are not just regulatory requirements, but concrete investments in the health and economic sustainability of their operations.
From a One Health perspective, every livestock producer is part of the prevention network, helping protect animals, human communities and the environment in which they work every day.
