The impact of climate change on existing and emerging microbial threats across the food chain: An island of Ireland perspective†

• Ireland climate change forecasts and possible impacts on economically important foodborne pathogens.
• Progress knowledge of pathogen survival, transmission, activity and virulence in food.
• An expanded, cohesive, co-ordinated surveillance system is vital to monitor pathogens.
• Improvement in the detection, identification and under-reporting of pathogens.

The Agri-Food and aquaculture industries are vital to the economy of the island of Ireland with a gross annual output that is expected to double in the future. Identifying and understanding the potential influences of the anticipated climate variables on microorganisms that cause foodborne diseases, and their impact on these local industries, are essential. Investigating and monitoring foodborne pathogens and factors that influence their growth, transmission, pathogenesis and survival will facilitate assessment of the stability, security and vulnerability of the continuously evolving and increasing complex local food supply chain.