A recent study* conducted in Sweden demonstrated a temporal association between Campylobacter prevalence in batches of broilers at slaughter and subsequent development of campylobacteriosis in consumers.
A retrospective study conducted on data extending from 2009 to 2019 demonstrated a two-week time lag between a high level of recovery of Campylobacter from broiler flocks and an increase in incident cases among consumers. The study was possible in Sweden based on the small number of broiler processing plants and an ongoing national monitoring system for campylobacteriosis among consumers. The foodborne infection is seasonal in Sweden allowing analysis of annual or long-term trends.
The model developed confirmed a positive association between human cases and broiler prevalence with an optimal lag of two weeks consistent with the time between slaughter and consumption taking into account the incubation period among patients. The authors expressed the view that the relationship between broiler prevalence and human cases is complicated and involves factors other than simple prevalence rates among broiler flocks.
*Lindqvist, R. et al. The temporal pattern and relationship of Campylobacter prevalence in broiler slaughter batches and human campylobacteriosis cases in Sweden 2009-2019. International Journal of Food Microbiology doi.org/10.1016/j.ijfood micro (2022)