This report shows information submitted by European Union Member States on the occurrence of zoonoses and food-borne outbreaks in 2008, analysed by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Food Safety Authority.
This surveillance report was prepared by EUVAC.net, which is a European surveillance network for vaccine-preventable diseases. The network collects data on surveillance systems and selected epidemiological characteristics of vaccine preventable diseases in the EU and other participating countries. It is jointly funded by ECDC and the Statens Serum Institut (Denmark).
In June 2009, ECDC convened a technical expert consultation that focused on tuberculosis, new emerging airborne diseases (e.g. SARS) and meningococcal infections. This consultation was the second of a two-part process intended to assist national authorities in the EU Member States in the assessment of risks associated with the transmission of various infectious agents on board airplanes.
Current childhood vaccination schedules are the result of historical tradition, compliance with provision of health services and national vaccine registration. They have been designed on the basis of different needs related to how the healthcare system – but also the education system – is organised at national level.