9.1.2

LevelPressureBathingLower

LevelPressureShellfishLower

LevelPressureOther

MicrobialPathogensBathingWater

MicrobialPathogensShellfishWater

25% represents the maximum designated surface (km2) for shellfish production that do not meet mandatory levels (≤300 faecal coliforms, n/100ml (Shellfish Water Directive; National Decree 152/2006). The threshold value is an indirect index of the frequency

Descriptive

Descriptive

Improving

Stable

The current status of bathing waters is the following. In the considered period, from 2008 to 2010, waters compliant with mandatory values increased from 19 (1,7%) to 82(7,0%). The bathing waters compliant with guide values decreased from 995(88,1%) in 20

In this Sub-region there are 108 shellfish waters and the number of those not compliant with mandatory limit value of faecal coliforms (≤300 faecal coliforms, n/100ml; National Decree 152/2006) results rather stable over the years 2005-2011 oscillating b

2009-2011

2009-2011

2009-2011

In assessed bathing Waters the main pathogens are Faecal streptococci and Faecal coliforms under Directive 76/160 EEC, Intestinal enterococci and Escherichia coli under Directive 2006/7/EC; Ostreopsis spp. Italian law Decreto 30 Marzo n. 119/2010 Ministry of Health . In the assessed area the total number of bathing waters increased from 1129 in 2008 to 1176 in 2011. Compliance with lower limit values (guide limit value Directive 76/160/EEC) decreased from 88,1% in 2008 to 87,9% in 2009 and 67,3% in 2010, increased to 88,6% in 2011. Compliance with higher limit values (mandatory limit value Directive 76/160/EEC) decreased from 1,7% in 2008 to 0,9% in 2009, increased to 4,2% in 2010 an. A small number of bathing waters don’t comply with mandatory values: 1,7% in 2008, 2,1% in 2009, 1,2% in 2010 and 0,3% 2011. In 2008, 96 (8,5%) bathing waters were banned, this kept stable in 2009 with 102 (9,0%) bathing waters, but decreased in 2010 to 23 (2,0%). In 2011 the number of bathing waters banned increased to 37 (3,1%). In 2010, with the application of the Directive 2006/7/EC, the number of insufficiently sample sites increased (due to a delayed start of sampling) of 25,4% with respect to the previous years (2008-2009).

Monitoring of microbial pathogens in shellfish waters is under the Shellfish Water Directive 2006/113/CE and National Decree 152/2006, and the Shellfish Hygiene Regulations (Reg. CE 854/2004, Reg. CE 853/2004, Reg. CE 2073/2005, Reg. CE 1021/2008). The first give provision on the concentration of faecal coliforms in shellfish waters, the others on Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. in shellfish product. In this Sub-region there are 108 shellfish waters and the number of those not compliant with mandatory limit value of faecal coliforms (≤300 faecal coliforms, n/100ml; National Decree 152/2006) results rather stable over the years 2005-2011 oscillating between 35 and 48. Considering the overall designated surface (about 4800 km2), the proportion not compliant with lower limit values resulted below 25% from 2006 to 2011. According to the Shellfish Hygiene Regulations, on 2011 a total of about 372 areas were classified for shellfish production in this subregion, representing the 80% of total national classified areas. These areas were classified as A (51%) and B (49%). The proportion of total classified surface (km2) not compliant with lower limit values (≤230 Escherichia coli, MPN/100g and absence of Salmonella in 25g; Shellfish Hygiene Regulations) resulted below 25%. Other pathogens potentially affecting consumer’s health can be found in shellfish waters, even if not under the above legislation. These include bacteria, some of which are natural inhabitant of marine environments (e.g. Vibrio parahaemolyticus, V. cholerae, V. vulnificus, V. alginolyticus), but also enteric viruses (e.g. NoV) and hepatitis A virus (HAV) released by antropic outputs, as well as parasitic protozoa (Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Toxoplasma). The analysis of shellfish samples to verify the presence/absence of these viruses has been performed in different areas. Results highlight the need for a more thorough check and monitoring of such emerging pathogens. Reference detection methods are still lacking and should be implemented. Algal biotoxins (e.g. PSP, ASP, DSP, YTX, AZA) regulated by the EU Regulation 853/2004 and Reg. 854/2004, should be also mentioned among health issues in shellfish waters as potential source of severe intoxication in consumers and cause of the closures of numerous shellfish production areas. The concentration and type of algal biotoxins can be influenced by natural factors, such as temperature, season etc., but also by nutrient load from riverine inputs and such correlations need further investigation. (Sources: Rapporti ISTISAN 05/24; ISTISAN 11/C8; EFSA, 2008, 2009, 2012; SIRAM, 2012; www.izsum.it; WHO, 2010; FAO, 2011; Italian Ministry of Health, 2011; Ade et al., 2003; Galluzzi et al., 2005; Gabrieli et al., 2007; Robertson, 2007; Congestri et al., 2008; Penna e Galluzzi 2008; Evangelista et al., 2008; Suffredini et al., 2008, 2012; Croci et al., 2009; Valli et al., 2009; Croci, 2011; Giangaspero et al., 2009; Savini, 2009; Latini, 2010; Terio et al., 2010; Putignani et al., 2011).

Ostreopsis cf. ovata is potentially toxic benthic dinoflagellate present along the Italian coasts. Since the 1990s an increasing trend in the presence and abundance of this benthic microalgae has been reported especially during summer season. Ostreopsis cf. ovata produces palytoxin-like compounds. In several cases, since 2005, Ostreopsis blooms have been associated with noxious effects on human health and with the mortality of benthic marine organisms. For this reason, since 2010 (monitoring start date under Directive 2006/7/EC and D.M. 30/3/2010) monitoring has been carried out also to prevent human health risks. In 2010 and 2011, along the Adriatic coasts, 69 and 67 monitoring sites were respectively investigated fortnightly or monthly from June to September or October collecting water, macroalgae or mollusk shells samples. Ostreopsis cf. ovata blooms have been recorded in Marche and Puglia . The first occurrence of Ostreopsis spp. was recorded since July and with the highest abundance in August and September. In the Marche and Friuli coast (northern Adriatic) Ostreopsis cf. ovata starts blooming on September with the highest abundance on October. No cells were recorded at all stations along the Abruzzo, Emilia Romagna, Molise and Veneto coasts. The results showed that Ostreopsis cf. ovata were present at least once (in water or macroalgae samples) in 22 (31,88%, 2010) and 25 (37,31%, 2011) monitoring sites with values from 40 to 7120000 cells l-1 (2010) and from 40 to 7901575 cells l-1 (2011). In 11 sites (64,71%, 2010) and 10 sites (52,63 % , 2011) values greater/equal than 10000 cells l-1 have been recorded at least once (only for water samples). This value represents a management value for bathing water under Ministry of Health Guide lines on Ostreopsis cf. ovata.

Moderate

Moderate

Activity1: Land-based activities/industries: Coastal, riverine and atmospheric inputs from land - municipal waste water discharge. The methods of treatment in conjunction with the problems in the operation and performance of water treatment plants represent a major source for microbial pathogens contamination of water and pathogen bioaccumulation in shellfish. Unknown activities contributing to causing Ostreopsis cf. ovata presence and/or blooms. Activity2: Land-based activities/industries: Coastal, riverine and atmospheric inputs from land - agricultural run-off, forestry and emissions. Non-point sources such as agricultre and zootechnical runoff could represent a significant risk of coastal water pollution with microbial pathogens . Eutrophication above from agricultural run-off (nitrate) and domestic or industrial run-off (phosphate) can cause microalgal toxic blooms, with toxin accumulation. Unknown activities contributing to causing Ostreopsis cf. ovata presence and/or blooms. Activity3: Land-based activities/industries: Coastal, riverine and atmospheric inputs from land - industrial discharges. Industries for the processing of of animal products could represent a significant risk for releasing of microbial pathogens for humans. Unknown activities contributing to causing Ostreopsis cf. ovata presence and/or blooms.

Activity1: Land-based activities/industries: Coastal, riverine and atmospheric inputs from land - municipal waste water discharge. The methods of treatment in conjunction with the problems in the operation and performance of water treatment plants represent a major source for microbial pathogens contamination of water and pathogen bioaccumulation in shellfish. Unknown activities contributing to causing Ostreopsis cf. ovata presence and/or blooms. Activity2: Land-based activities/industries: Coastal, riverine and atmospheric inputs from land - agricultural run-off, forestry and emissions. Non-point sources such as agricultre and zootechnical runoff could represent a significant risk of coastal water pollution with microbial pathogens . Eutrophication above from agricultural run-off (nitrate) and domestic or industrial run-off (phosphate) can cause microalgal toxic blooms, with toxin accumulation. Unknown activities contributing to causing Ostreopsis cf. ovata presence and/or blooms. Activity3: Land-based activities/industries: Coastal, riverine and atmospheric inputs from land - industrial discharges. Industries for the processing of of animal products could represent a significant risk for releasing of microbial pathogens for humans. Unknown activities contributing to causing Ostreopsis cf. ovata presence and/or blooms.

Activity1: Land-based activities/industries: Coastal, riverine and atmospheric inputs from land - municipal waste water discharge. The methods of treatment in conjunction with the problems in the operation and performance of water treatment plants represent a major source for microbial pathogens contamination of water and pathogen bioaccumulation in shellfish. Unknown activities contributing to causing Ostreopsis cf. ovata presence and/or blooms. Activity2: Land-based activities/industries: Coastal, riverine and atmospheric inputs from land - agricultural run-off, forestry and emissions. Non-point sources such as agricultre and zootechnical runoff could represent a significant risk of coastal water pollution with microbial pathogens . Eutrophication above from agricultural run-off (nitrate) and domestic or industrial run-off (phosphate) can cause microalgal toxic blooms, with toxin accumulation. Unknown activities contributing to causing Ostreopsis cf. ovata presence and/or blooms. Activity3: Land-based activities/industries: Coastal, riverine and atmospheric inputs from land - industrial discharges. Industries for the processing of of animal products could represent a significant risk for releasing of microbial pathogens for humans. Unknown activities contributing to causing Ostreopsis cf. ovata presence and/or blooms.

• AgricultForestry
• Industry
• Urban

• AgricultForestry
• Industry
• Urban

• AgricultForestry
• Industry
• Urban

Shellfish: For some regions, data are incomplete with respect to compliance/non compliance with mandatory values for coliforms parameter (EU Shellfish Water Directive; National Decree No. 152/2006) and for E. coli and Salmonella in shellfish products (EU Shellfish Hygiene Regulations). Information gaps and major constraints are primarily due to: i) partial monitoring of shellfish waters due to structural/economic constraints; ii) different competent authorities responsible for monitoring activities; iii) lack of continuous data stream. Future actions should be aimed to build up an extensive database to integrate, manage and share environmental and sanitary data on microbiological contamination of shellfish waters and to optimize the monitoring activities in shellfish waters among different Competent Authorities within different regions.

Shellfish: For some regions, data are incomplete with respect to compliance/non compliance with mandatory values for coliforms parameter (EU Shellfish Water Directive; National Decree No. 152/2006) and for E. coli and Salmonella in shellfish products (EU Shellfish Hygiene Regulations). Information gaps and major constraints are primarily due to: i) partial monitoring of shellfish waters due to structural/economic constraints; ii) different competent authorities responsible for monitoring activities; iii) lack of continuous data stream. Future actions should be aimed to build up an extensive database to integrate, manage and share environmental and sanitary data on microbiological contamination of shellfish waters and to optimize the monitoring activities in shellfish waters among different Competent Authorities within different regions.

Shellfish: For some regions, data are incomplete with respect to compliance/non compliance with mandatory values for coliforms parameter (EU Shellfish Water Directive; National Decree No. 152/2006) and for E. coli and Salmonella in shellfish products (EU Shellfish Hygiene Regulations). Information gaps and major constraints are primarily due to: i) partial monitoring of shellfish waters due to structural/economic constraints; ii) different competent authorities responsible for monitoring activities; iii) lack of continuous data stream. Future actions should be aimed to build up an extensive database to integrate, manage and share environmental and sanitary data on microbiological contamination of shellfish waters and to optimize the monitoring activities in shellfish waters among different Competent Authorities within different regions.