Denmark Reports Two Severe Campylobacter Outbreaks Linked to Poultry

Two significant Campylobacter jejuni outbreaks in Denmark have raised concerns about the effectiveness of current poultry safety regulations. Detected between July and November through whole genome sequencing (WGS) surveillance, the outbreaks resulted in 119 confirmed cases, with 45 hospitalizations and 16 cases of bacteremia, indicating unusually severe illness. Researchers estimate the true number of cases to be around 900, with both outbreaks traced to Danish-produced chicken.

New EU rules taking effect in January 2025 require corrective actions if more than 10 out of 50 carcass samples exceed 1,000 CFU/g. However, the outbreaks suggest that current monitoring may not be sufficient.

WGS comparison matched patient isolates with samples from Danish chicken meat, confirming the source. Interviews showed all affected individuals consumed chicken prior to illness.

Scientists warn that the outbreaks expose weaknesses in the prevention framework, noting that without legal limits on Campylobacter in chicken meat, much of the risk mitigation falls on consumers rather than producers.

08-12-2025