FoodNet consists of an active surveillance program along with epidemiologic studies designed to enhance our understanding of foodborne diseases. FoodNet was established with the following goals:
  • Determine more precisely the burden of foodborne diseases in the United States.
  • Monitor foodborne diseases trends in the United States.
  • Determine the proportion of foodborne diseases attributable to specific foods and settings in the United States.

FoodNet provides active surveillance for seven bacterial pathogens (Campylobacter, E.coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio, and Yersinia enterocolitica) and two parasitic organisms (Crytosporidia, and Cyclospora).

When Maryland began performing FoodNet surveillance for these pathogens in 1998, the catchment area was limited to the Baltimore Metropolitan Area. BAM consists of Baltimore City, Baltimore County, Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, and Howard County. In 2000, Montgomery County and Prince George’s County were added to the catchment area. And finally in 2002, FoodNet surveillance went statewide. Currently, Maryland represents approximately 12.5% of the total FoodNet catchment area (roughly 41.5 million US residents).

Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Epidemiology and Disease Control Program
Emerging Infections Program
201 W. Preston St., 3rd Floor
Baltimore, MD 21201
Phone: 410-767-6234
Fax: 410-725-4825
Email: MDEIP@dhmh.state.md.us