Notes on worst-case scenarios of microbiological contamination in bivalve mollusc harvesting areas

Anglais

Notes sur les scénarios 'pire cas' de contamination microbiologique des zones de récolte des mollusques bivalves

Campos Carlos (1) ; Hargin Kevin (2 ; Kershaw Simon (1) ; Lee Ron (1) ; Morgan Owen (1)

(1) CEFAS (UK) ; (2) FSA (UK)

Knowledge about environmental and human-mediated factors causing peak levels of faecal indicator microorganisms in bivalve molluscan fisheries is fairly scattered, requiring development of scenarios to explore the potential consequences of climate change and human activity on pre-harvesting controls. A considerable amount of information has been obtained on this matter through the implementation of sanitary surveys for bivalve mollusc harvesting areas in England and Wales. Here we present a framework for detecting worst-case scenarios (WCS) of E. coli contamination in bivalves and discuss advantages and disadvantages associated with sampling under these scenarios. We argue that competent authorities would be better prepared to deal with environmental uncertainty and to improve the efficiency of risk management if worst-case approaches are considered as part of official monitoring programmes. Sampling targeting WCS would require a high level of cooperation and data sharing between authorities involved in the sampling and classification programmes and other institutions supplying environmental data.

mollusque bivalve ; surveillance microbiologique ; Escherichia coli ; scénario du pire ; contrôle officiel

bivalve mollusc ; microbiological monitoring ; Escherichia coli ; Worst-case scenario ; official control

2009

8 p.

6. Risk assessment