Survey of Norovirus Incidence in Fresh Produce and Raw Bovine Milk in Ontario

Objective

<OL> <LI> To investigate the incidence of human norovirus in fresh produce from Ontario production with focus on leafy greens which require frequent irrigation.

<LI> To investigate the incidence of human norovirus in imported fresh produce, particularly those imported through winter months.

<LI> To investigate the incidence of human, and bovine norovirus in Ontario's bovine raw milk.

<LI> To investigate the possibility of human/bovine recombination norovirus in Ontario's bovine raw milk.

More information

Expected Benefits:
To use an optimized and validated real time RT-PCR method to investigate the incidence of NoV in the food supplies in Ontario. The data acquired from this research can be used for risk assessment analyses and for assessing the need for future surveillance programs in Ontario. It will assist in science-based decision-making process related to NoV, and help to establish control measures of NoV in Ontario's food supply. This in turn will enhance food safety in Ontario.
<P> For more information, please visit the <a href="http://www.omafra.gov.on.ca/english/research/foodsafety/index.html" target="_blank">Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) Food Safety Research Program</a>.

Investigators

Chen, Shu

Institution

University of Guelph

Start date

2009

End date

2010

Funding Source

Ontario Min. of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs

Project number

SF6082