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
recognized 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.
