Climate change and foodborne transmission of parasites

The impact of climate change on foodborne parasites is complicated and provides no easy answers. How the different projected changes may interact and impact upon a diversity of foodborne pathogens is almost impossible to predict. The success of many parasites is due to a number of factors, including their adaptability to different hosts and environments. While some pathogens may suffer under some conditions of climate change, being unable to locate the “right” host, or incapable of surviving inhospitable conditions, many parasites are likely to persist and adapt. Besides, other factors not necessarily related to climate change may also affect the transmission and impact of foodborne parasites.

Source: Selstad Utaaker and Robertson, 2015. Food Research International 68: 16–23.

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