Campylobacter outbreak associated with raw drinking milk, North West England, 2016

Area of Science:

• Foodborne illness
• Microbiology
• Public health

Background:

• An increase in unpasteurised milk consumption and sales via vending machines has been observed.
• Campylobacteriosis outbreaks pose a significant public health risk, particularly when linked to dairy products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the cause of a campylobacteriosis outbreak in North West England.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of current regulations for unpasteurised milk sales.
• To inform policy development regarding raw milk safety.

Main Methods:

• Epidemiological, microbiological, and environmental investigations were conducted.
• Pathogen whole genome sequencing was used to link cases to the source.
• Farm hygiene and sales practices were assessed.

Main Results:

• Sixty-nine cases of campylobacteriosis were linked to unpasteurised cows' milk from a specific farm vending machine.
• Identical Campylobacter sequence types (Clonal Complex ST-403, Sequence Type 7432) were found in patient isolates and milk samples.
• A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order was issued to the farm.

Conclusions:

• The outbreak demonstrates the inadequacy of current unpasteurised milk testing regimes in England.
• Warning labels for raw milk require enhanced wording to emphasize risks to vulnerable populations.
• Policy review is critical to address the growing accessibility of unpasteurised milk.