The PulseNet network allows laboratories to rapidly detect foodborne outbreaks by comparing the DNA of foodborne bacteria from patients across the country.
APHL helped establish PulseNet in 1996 and continues to support its use by member laboratories.
PulseNet USA
To rapidly detect foodborne outbreaks, scientists in public health laboratories participate in the national molecular subtyping network called “PulseNet".
PulseNet International
This network of networks tracks outbreaks of foodborne disease worldwide. PulseNet International is comprised of PulseNet Canada, PulseNet USA, PulseNet Latin America, PulseNet Europe, PulseNet Middle East and PulseNet Asia Pacific.
CIFOR
CIFOR Guidelines for Foodborne Disease Outbreak Response
APHL is an active member of the Council to Improve Foodborne Outbreak Response (CIFOR) with is co-chaired by the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE) and the National Association of County and City Health Officials (NACCHO) with support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In July 2009 the council released the Guidelines for Foodborne Disease Outbreak Response document, providing government health agencies with model practices.
2009 APHL PulseNet Factsheet
Salmonella Typhimurium
New York Times - Ill From Food? Investigations Vary By State
MSNBC - Computer Network Tracked Salmonella Outbreak: How the Food Safety Alert System Works
Research on new methodology for food safety testing (MLVA) conducted by North Carolina State Public Health Laboratory.
CDC Response to the Multistate Outbreak of Salmonella Saintpaul. Lonnie J. King, DVM, Director of the National Center for Zoonotic, Vector-borne, and Enteric Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, House Subcommittee on Horticulture and Organic Agriculture, July 30, 2008