The annual number of Campylobacter cases reported in Denmark has been between 3,740 and 5,389 over the past five years. Since 2019, a subset of human samples has been sent for whole genome sequencing to detect
clusters and outbreaks. In 2022, 19 genetic clusters with five or more cases were detected, comprising 26% of the sequenced cases, of which 25% were matched to a source, mostly chicken meat produced in Denmark. Chicken is a staple food in Denmark and is often eaten without the consumer noticing the brand or type, which makes it difficult to obtain specific exposure information from patients with campylobacteriosis. Denmark has had national Action Plans against Campylobacter in chicken since 2008, and the fourth plan was started in 2022 and will run until 2026. Campylobacter status of broiler flocks is monitored through cloacal swab samples obtained at the slaughterhouses where all flocks are sampled. Flocks raised outdoors have a much higher prevalence of Campylobacter than those raised indoors. Targets for reduction on farm level has been set for each production type in the Action Plan. Surveillance of Campylobacter in fresh chicken meat is performed at slaughterhouse-level, where leg skin samples are collected from chilled carcasses ready for human consumption. In the new Action Plan the reduction targets in fresh meat is set for each of the medium/major sized slaughterhouses. Furthermore, it was decided to set different goals for the maximum level of concentration of
Campylobacter in the meat, for the summer- and winter period, in consideration of the seasonal changes in Campylobacter prevalence