Yersinia entericolitica
Brandon Mazzei
A Brief Introduction
What does this pathogen need to thrive?
This bacteria can grow in conditions as cold as 32 degrees or as hot as 113 degrees.What are the foods/sources associated with it and possible contaminants?
This bacteria can be found in contaminated water, intestinal tracts of infected animals, this pathogen can be found in unpasteurized milk, and meat.
What is the implicated illness?
This bacteria causes an illness called Yersiniosis, this disease can infect both humans and animals.
What is the incubation period for the illness?
Yersiniosis can develop in 24-48 hours.
What are the symptoms associated with the illness?
Yersiniosis is often mistaken for being appendicitis. Some symptoms include pain in the lower right abdomen, vomiting, and diarrhea.
What is the duration of the symptoms?
The symptoms can last from a period of 1-3 weeks.
What are the steps for prevention?
- Wash your hands after handling raw meats
- Avoid cross-contamination, make sure to always drink water from a clean source
- Avoid drinking milk that has not been pasteurized
- Be careful and wash your hands after disposing animal waste.
- Cook meats to a safe temperature
What is your bacterium's implication in the Farm-to-Table?
Farming
How it Spreads - It can be spread from infected animals feces when others eat it.
How it can be prevented - Farmer's should keep clean areas. Farmers should also properly dispose of waste and equipment.
Processing
How it spreads - Foods can be contaminated before being packaged. Additives can also contribute to contamination.
How it can be prevented - Milk should be pasteurized and meat should be properly inspected.
Transportation
How it spreads - Faulty refrigeration can spread this bacteria
How it can be prevented - Proper sanitation and proper temperature while transporting.
Retail
How it spreads - Unsanitary conditions, packaging malfunctions, and improper temperature.
How it can be prevented - Making sure retailers store the products at a proper temperature .
Home
How it spreads - Cross-Contamination, and not cooking meat properly.
How it can be prevented - Meat should be cooked to a proper internal temperature. Wash hands and cooking utensils.