Clams Harvesting Areas In Marche Region: Analysis Of Fecal Contamination In Three-Year Period 2008-2010

The harvesting areas of clams in the Marche region in Italy are under control for faecal contamination as stated by a regional resolution. As required by EU regulations this occurs with the detection of Escherichia coli. The development of such contamination must be evaluated to control which areas have more risk of faecal contamination and if the sampling frequency is adequate. The data through years 2008-2010 have been evaluated to highlight the areas where the level of Escherichia coli is higher and provide a tool for risk analysis to competent authority on the harvesting areas controls.