Severe Campylobacter Outbreaks in Denmark Traced to Domestic Chicken Meat
Two simultaneous and unusually severe outbreaks of Campylobacter jejuni infections sweeping through Denmark between July and October 2025 have been definitively linked to Danish-produced chicken meat. A new report from Statens Serum Institut (SSI) reveals that the outbreaks, which resulted in high rates of hospitalization, were caused by two distinct genetic clones of the bacteria found in the domestic food supply. Through advanced whole genome sequencing (WGS), researchers established a direct genetic match between the bacteria found in patients and concurrent isolates identified in Danish chicken meat by the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration. The two specific bacterial clones driving the outbreaks (identified as ST49#3 and ST52#4) matched those found in Danish-produced chicken meat. Patient interviews revealed that 100% of the surveyed individuals had consumed chicken meat in the week prior to falling ill. Both bacterial clones had been detected in Danish chicken meat in previous years, highlighting a persistent issue in the food chain. The outbreaks led to significantly higher hospitalization rates than usual. The Statens Serum Institut estimates the real number of infections to be around 900 cases, highlighting a substantial public health impact.
