Foodborne and Waterborne Diseases

Foodborne and waterborne pathogens pose a significant threat to both animal and public health.

The interaction between each of these pathogens and the outcome of infections in animals and humans can vary; some (such as Salmonella and Cryptosporidium) can impact directly on human health and productivity as well as on animal health. 

Several of these organisms are important zoonoses and may have reservoirs in livestock. Humans can become infected through direct contact with infected animals, through exposure to contaminated environments (e.g. pasture, watercourses), via contaminated foodstuffs and even by person-to-person contact.

Moredun works on a number of important pathogens that can cause disease in humans and animals, notably E coli, Cryptosporidium and Campylobacter. 

Our work on the detection, differentiation, disease mechanisms and anti-infective approaches is contributing to the understanding, knowledge and expertise which have crucial roles in the introduction of effective control measures.