According to the 2024 zoonosis report, published by the DTU National Food Institute in collaboration with the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration and Statens Serum Institut, 5,546 cases of campylobacter infection were registered. By comparison, 5,186 cases were recorded in 2023.
Ten outbreaks of campylobacter infection were reported, seven of which were traced to chicken meat through whole genome sequencing – a laboratory method that maps the genetic material of bacteria. The campylobacter action plan, developed jointly by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, industry organisations, and the DTU National Food Institute, forms a key element of Denmark’s strategy to safeguard food safety. The plan, aimed at reducing human infections, focuses strongly on lowering the prevalence of the bacterium in chickens and chicken meat, the primary source of transmission.
“Chicken meat continues to be a significant source of campylobacter infections in Denmark. To protect public health, it is essential to develop new solutions that markedly reduce the bacterium. The technological advances of recent years, including whole genome sequencing, enable quicker identification of both sources of infection and new preventive methods,” says Senior Researcher Brian Lassen of DTU National Food Institute, and continues:
“At the DTU National Food Institute, our research is particularly focused on reducing campylobacter in organic and free-range flocks, although several of the methods can also be applied to conventional flocks.”
Combating campylobacter from multiple angles
As part of the campylobacter action plan, the DTU National Food Institute is carrying out a number of research projects aimed at both limiting campylobacter in production and improving risk assessments. The research ranges from feed additives and cooling technologies to advanced packaging solutions, whole genome sequencing, and machine learning for source attribution and outbreak tracing. See the individual projects with links to descriptions under the section “Examples of research projects”.
The action plan also includes information campaigns for consumers.
“As a consumer, you can take steps yourself to avoid campylobacter infection. Remember good kitchen hygiene practices – in particular, keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods, and ensure chicken meat is thoroughly cooked,” says Head of Section at the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, Sørine Quaade Møller.
National sequence-based surveillance
For several years, Statens Serum Institut (SSI) and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration have used whole genome sequencing in national surveillance. In addition, the DTU National Food Institute has used whole-genome sequencing, e.g., to produce source attribution analyses. Together, these efforts have strengthened the understanding of campylobacter in poultry production through the integrated use of sequencing data. In 2024, SSI further developed a method enabling detection and typing of campylobacter directly in samples without prior culturing.
“The existing surveillance using whole-genome sequencing and comparison of types in patients and food is essential for rapidly identifying sources of infection. The application of newly developed sequence-based methods holds great potential for establishing a better overview of the spread of Campylobacter types in broiler production,” says Researcher Katrine G. Joensen of Statens Serum Institut.
Examples of research projects
OutCampy – identified feed additives capable of reducing bacterial levels.
SafeChicken – tested biochar, organic acids, and IceGun technology with documented effect.
CampTau – collected data for improved risk models and studied modified atmosphere packaging (MAP).
DiSCoVer – an international project applying machine learning for source attribution; Danish chickens remain a significant factor.
WGS studies (2020–2021) – mapped the diversity of campylobacter strains in broiler production.
porA method (2024) – a novel genetic approach enabling faster and more precise detection and typing of campylobacter directly in samples.
Read more
The Annual Report on Zoonoses is published by the DTU National Food Institute, in collaboration with Statens Serum Institut and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. The three organisations are members of the Central Outbreak Group and jointly investigate foodborne disease outbreaks.
The full report is available online. To request a copy, please contact food@food.dtu.dk.
Contact
Senior Researcher Brian Lassen, National Food Institute, DTU, +45 93511976, brlas@food.dtu.dk
Head of Section Sørine Quaade Møller, Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, +45 72276452, squm@fvst.dk
Researcher Katrine G. Joensen, Statens Serum Institut, +45 32688965, knj@ssi.dk
