title: Influence of Rainfall onE. ColiConcentrations in Clams: Results of Collaboration Between Competent Health Authority and Producers' Association in the Province of Fermo (Italy).
abstract: TheArea Vasta di Fermo(the competent health authority of the Marche Region), in collaboration with the local producers' Association conducted a series of studies on the presence ofE. colias an indicator of faecal contamination in the environment, in shellfish and in fishery waters, and on the factors that can affect their presence. These studies, carried out from 2008 to 2011, included an assessment of the currents along the coast, of the precipitations, and data from the monitoring ofE. colion shellfish harvested in the collection areas were examined. The results showed that in most cases, small concentrations of microorganisms in shellfish corresponded to little or no precipitations, while an increase in the levels ofE. coliwas preceded by more or less abundant rainfalls. The conclusions suggest that it is advisable to carry out a more detailed risk analysis which should take into account the above-mentioned factors. Furthermore, monitoring alone based on the determination of indicator organisms, especially when carried out as a single analysis or with a small number ofE. colideterminations, does not provide a satisfactory indication of safety. The regional surveillance plans should be applied timely and rigorously, together with onsite investigations aimed at identifying changes that can affect the presence ofE. coliin shellfish. Food business operators themselves could implement good manufacturing practices to verify whether the microbiological parameters are within the prescribed limits after rainfalls, especially if heavy.
authors: Scuola di Specializzazione in Sanità Animale, Allevamento e Produzioni Zootecniche, Università degli Studi di Camerino , Matelica, Italy.
authors: Valentina
authors: V
authors: Gentili
authors: Servizio Veterinario Igiene degli Alimenti di Origine Animale ASUR MARCHE, Area Vasta n. 4 di Fermo , Matelica, Italy.
authors: Loredana
authors: L
authors: Di Giacomo
authors: Servizio Veterinario Igiene degli Alimenti di Origine Animale ASUR MARCHE, Area Vasta n. 4 di Fermo , Matelica, Italy.
authors: Sandro
authors: S
authors: Fichera
authors: Servizio Veterinario Igiene degli Alimenti di Origine Animale ASUR MARCHE, Area Vasta n. 4 di Fermo , Matelica, Italy.
authors: Antonio
authors: A
authors: Angellotti
authors: Servizio Veterinario Igiene degli Alimenti di Origine Animale ASUR MARCHE, Area Vasta n. 4 di Fermo , Matelica, Italy.
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Ascani
authors: Servizio Veterinario Igiene degli Alimenti di Origine Animale ASUR MARCHE, Area Vasta n. 4 di Fermo , Matelica, Italy.
authors: Ezio
authors: E
authors: Ferretti
authors: Servizio Veterinario Igiene degli Alimenti di Origine Animale ASUR MARCHE, Area Vasta n. 4 di Fermo , Matelica, Italy.
authors: Angeliki
authors: A
authors: Riganatou
authors: Scuola di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Camerino , Matelica, Italy.
authors: Anna Rita
authors: AR
authors: Loschi
authors: Scuola di Scienze Mediche Veterinarie, Università degli Studi di Camerino , Matelica, Italy.
authors: Stefano
authors: S
authors: Rea
keywords: E. coli; Live bivalve molluscs; Monitoring; Surveillance; Venus gallina