Sources of Shellfish in Outbreaks of Probable Viral Gastroenteritis: Implications for Control

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Food Safety
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Shellfish have historically been linked to foodborne enteric diseases in the United States.
• A significant increase in shellfishborne gastroenteritis and hepatitis A cases was observed in New York State starting in 1981.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the incidence of shellfishborne diseases in the U.S., particularly in New York State.
• To identify the sources of implicated shellfish and investigate regulatory inadequacies.
• To propose solutions for preventing future shellfishborne disease outbreaks.

Main Methods:

• Review of reported national and New York State shellfishborne disease incidents and outbreaks from 1900-1985.
• Identification of implicated shellfish sources (states, countries, provinces).
• Analysis of current shellfish-tagging regulations and enforcement issues.

Main Results:

• Between 1900-1983, 198 national incidents/outbreaks affected 8,659 people.
• New York State reported a surge in cases from 1981-1985.
• Implicated sources included New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, England, North Carolina, and Prince Edward Island.
• Significant inadequacies in shellfish-tagging regulations and enforcement were identified.

Conclusions:

• Current shellfish-tagging regulations and enforcement are insufficient to prevent disease outbreaks.
• Recommendations include improved surveillance, stricter laws, better enforcement, standardized tagging, and potentially depuration or a ban on raw shellfish consumption.
• Addressing regulatory and enforcement gaps is essential for public health protection.