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Statement of Research Problem:
This project develops a FDA science base for insect vectors of Salmonella, Listeria and E. coli that
is comparable to similar science bases under development for livestock. Flies are a recognized contributing
epidemiological factor in the spread of food borne pathogens, especially E. coli, Listeria,
Salmonella and Shigella. Houseflies are a recognized risk factor as vectors of E. coli O157:H7 in
dairy farms and cattle farms and as vectors of Salmonella in broiler houses and dog kennels. The housefly is the
most competent fly vector of Salmonella. Recent studies have show that wild populations of houseflies and
blowflies harbor pathogens over entire breeding seasons. Studies conducted on litter beetles in broiler houses found that
litter beetles infected with Salmonella transmit the infection to previously uninfected flocks under laboratory
and field conditions. No research has been conducted to determine if flies have a similar vector competence for infecting
layer house flocks. No studies have been conducted to assess the reservoir competence or other risk factors associated
with insects in or near layer houses and fresh produce facilities. Recent findings that fruit flies can transmit
E. coli O157:H7 to apples and that litter beetles can also transmit E. coli indicate that this project
should include fresh produce and vectors other than the housefly.
Statement of Project Objective(s):
Anticipated Impact on FDA Regulatory Program:
Project Priority Changes During FY2000:
With the publication of Olsen and Hammack (August, 2000), objective 1 is accomplished, identifying the housefly,
Musca domestica L., and the dump fly, Hydrotaea aenescens (Wiedemann), as the vectors that should be
included in risk assessment models. For FY2001, the project priority will shift to objective 2 (monitoring population
densities) and objective 3 (establishing acceptable levels of flies).
Research Personnel:
Name |
Office/Division |
FTE [00, 01, 02] |
Component |
---|---|---|---|
Alan R. Olsen | OPDFB/DNP | 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 | 1,2 |
John R. Bryce | OPDFB/DNP | 0.5, 0.5, 0.5 | 1,2 |
Total FTE: |
1.0, 1.0, 1.0 | 1,2 |
Collaborators: Thomas S. Hammack (microbiologist), OSRS/DMS, HFS-516.
Component 1 Objectives:
Component 2 Objectives:
Hypertext updated by jms/dav 2001-OCT-02