Foodborne Pathogen Surveillance and Economic Return on Investment Estimates for U.S. GenomeTrakr laboratories

Whole-genome sequencing (WGS) has proven to be a valuable tool within foodborne disease surveillance and outbreak investigations by providing superior resolution compared to traditional molecular typing methods. However, using this technology requires initial and continued financial investment. In this study, we conducted a break-even study followed by a cost-benefit analysis to estimate the return on investment (ROI) for foodborne pathogen surveillance using WGS in domestic laboratories participating in the U.S. GenomeTrakr program. All laboratories that submitted cost estimates showed a positive ROI, indicating that the value of averted healthcare costs exceed the cost of building genomics capacity within their regions. We also describe a newly developed software tool designed to assist domestic partners in quantifying the economic value of their WGS activities. This publicly available web application calculates the annual costs (total and per sample costs), as well as benefit-to-cost ratios for three pathogens: Salmonella, Listeria, and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli. The application guides users through the required data-entry steps so they can independently estimate ROI, with results summarized and available for download. This tool allows users to quantify the benefits of their WGS activities based on user-entered data, including the annual number of isolates sequenced and the costs associated with WGS. By demonstrating the tangible value of genomic surveillance, this work builds a compelling case for the sustained investment necessary to enhance food safety and public health response. The dissemination and application of these economic impact tools will greatly aid in generating the quantitative evidence needed to secure ongoing support for these systems. We encourage further development and dissemination of such to support both regional and global estimates aimed at improving food safety and public health.