Cyclospora Outbreak Raises Concerns for Wisconsin Farmers
STOUGHTON, Wis. — As farmers markets in Wisconsin hit their peak season, a recent Cyclospora outbreak has shoppers and farmers re-evaluating food safety and the origins of their produce.
State health officials report over 40 confirmed cases of Cyclosporiasis in Wisconsin since May. This parasite leads to symptoms like severe diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue, primarily spreading through contaminated fresh produce.
Maggie Kraft, who was at Hilldale’s Wednesday Farmers’ Market, shared her perspective. She feels more secure when purchasing from local growers. “If I go to the big box stores, I have no idea where that food came from, or how long it’s been in transit, or how it was grown. What did they spray it with?” Kraft voiced her concerns.
Despite her confidence, experts caution that no produce is completely free from risk. “I feel bad saying this because it’s summer and everybody wants to eat fresh produce, but there isn’t really a safe way to wash it,” stated Laura Knoll, a medical microbiology professor at UW-Madison.
Although the outbreak hasn’t been traced to locally sold produce in Wisconsin, it’s a significant concern for farmers there. “It’s certainly come onto our radar in a big way,” remarked Kristen Kordet, owner of Blue Moon Community Farm in Stoughton. She emphasized that her farm adheres to strict safety protocols and feels secure about the produce they sell directly.
The outbreak coincides with a busy harvesting period for vegetable growers, including cucumbers, zucchini, squash, and basil. “We know enough about cyclospora to feel confident in our protocols here at Blue Moon, but it’s definitely a huge concern,” Kordet added.
Last year, the CDC reduced its FoodNet program, which previously tracked eight foodborne illnesses down to just two. Cyclospora is one of the pathogens no longer under constant surveillance.
Knoll mentioned, “Part of the reason this outbreak seems worse this summer may be related to the CDC’s cuts. Those surveillance systems are crucial for quickly identifying contamination sources.”
In response to inquiries about the reductions, a spokesperson from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stated that Cyclospora surveillance has not ceased. The agency continues to gather data through methods outside FoodNet and collaborates with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and local health departments to pinpoint the outbreak’s origin.
Emily G. Hilliard, Press Secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, expressed, “Under Secretary Kennedy’s leadership, the FDA is currently investigating Cyclospora outbreaks using established epidemiologic, laboratory, and traceback tools in close coordination with the CDC and state and local partners. Protecting the nation’s food supply is a core FDA responsibility. Additionally, FDA investigators have not been affected by any staffing changes.” She clarified that Cyclospora tracking is ongoing, with the CDC working alongside health departments in all 50 states to collect relevant data.
