Foodborne Pathogens and Epidemiology

The Research Group for Foodborne Pathogens and Epidemiology forms part of the national monitoring, control, and prevention of foodborne infections and antimicrobial resistance. The group analyses and interprets data, and conducts risk assessments aimed at mapping sources and routes of infection, quantifying the disease burden, and evaluating interventions. 

The research is focused on the development of epidemiological models, new monitoring and intervention strategies, and decision-making tools. The research group’s work contributes to innovation for food companies, authorities, and other stakeholders through research, advice, and teaching.

In the following areas, the group contributes to monitoring and prevention of foodborne infections and antimicrobial resistance:

• Supports the Action Programmes for Salmonella and Campylobacter in cattle, pigs, broilers chickens, and the environment
• Advises the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration on foodborne zoonotic risks in existing production systems as well as in new green and sustainable systems
• Contributes to the development and implementation of new monitoring methods such as source accounts, AI methods for veterinary meat inspection, and DNA sequencing methods for monitoring of antimicrobial resistance
• Analyses and interprets data on zoonoses and foodborne infections, and is responsible for publishing the annual national zoonoses report 
• Analyses and interprets data on consumption of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance in humans and animals, and is responsible for publishing the annual national report on antimicrobial resistance—the DANMAP report
• Participates in the Central Outbreak Management Group for Foodborne Pathogens (DCUG) as well as in other European and global networks under the auspices of the EU, EFSA, and WHO