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RESEARCH ARTICLE

OzFoodNet into the future: the rapid evolution of foodborne disease surveillance in Australia

Ben Polkinghorne A , Anthony Draper B , Michelle Harlock C and Robyn Leader D
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A OzFoodNet Coordinating Epidemiologist, Office of Health Protection, Australian Government Department of Health. Corresponding author: Tel: +61 2 6289 1831, Email: ben.polkinghorne@health.gov.au

B OzFoodNet Epidemiologist, Centre for Disease Control, Department of Health, Northern Territory Government. Tel: +61 8 8922 7635, Email: anthony.draper@nt.gov.au

C OzFoodNet Epidemiologist, Communicable Disease Prevention Unit, Department of Health and Human Services, Tasmanian Government. Tel: +61 3 6166 0667, Email: michelle.harlock@dhhs.tas.gov.au

D Assistant Director, Office of Health Protection, Australian Government Department of Health. Tel: +61 2 6289 2750, Email: robyn.leader@health.gov.au

Microbiology Australia 38(4) 179-183 https://doi.org/10.1071/MA17063
Published: 2 November 2017

Abstract

OzFoodNet is Australia's national enhanced foodborne disease surveillance network. OzFoodNet is currently evolving in order to meet the most significant challenges faced since it commenced in 2000: the transition to culture independent diagnostic tests and the introduction of whole genome sequencing for typing of enteric pathogens. This has changed the nature of foodborne disease surveillance and outbreak investigation in Australia.


References

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