17 April 2026
Sweden is globally recognized for its industry-leading standards in minimizing Campylobacter prevalence throughout the production chain. This achievement reflects more than three decades of systematic intervention. The effort began in 1993 as a research initiative led by Svensk Fågel (the Swedish Poultry Trade Association) to reduce bacterial incidence in domestic flocks. In 2001, the program was expanded into a comprehensive national surveillance initiative. For four years, it operated as a joint EU-funded project involving the Swedish Board of Agriculture, the National Food Agency, the Swedish Veterinary Institute (SVA), the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), and the Institute for Communicable Disease Control. Since 2005, following the conclusion of EU funding, the program has been led by Svensk Fågel. It remains a model of collaboration between industry, academia, and government authorities.
The program’s continued efficacy is ensured through mandatory sampling of every flock at slaughter. Data are rigorously analyzed by the Campylobacter Committee, which includes representatives from multiple national agencies. The committee reviews the program’s budget and strategic priorities annually, ensuring that biosecurity measures and farm-level interventions are continuously optimized. This sustained effort has reduced prevalence from approximately 60% in 1989 to a historic low of 3.8%.
Sweden’s 3.8% prevalence is notably low by international standards, where levels of 50–70% are frequently reported. The data indicate a strong association between production systems and bacterial occurrence. For example, in 2025, chicken flocks with outdoor access that were not affiliated with the Svensk Fågel program exhibited a markedly higher prevalence of 56.3%. Although seasonal variation persists, with peak incidence traditionally occurring during the “Humid Late-Summer Period” of July and August, the 2025 data indicate that even these peak periods have reached historically low levels. While strict kitchen hygiene remains essential, the consistent downward trend across all seasons underscores the effectiveness of sustained, industry-wide biosecurity measures.
Comparison by Rearing Form (2025)
Source Reference: https://svenskfagel.se/om-markningen/program/campylobacter
