April 4, 2024

Rise in Campylobacter-positive broilers in Norway last year

The number of broiler flocks positive for Campylobacter in Norway increased in 2023 but is still at low levels, according to the latest data.

Surveillance last year showed that 128 flocks, or 6.1%, were positive for Campylobacter. This is from tests on broiler flocks slaughtered before 51 days of age during May and October by the owner or keeper. There was no information shared on the levels of Campylobacter detected.

The action plan on Campylobacter in Norwegian broilers has been running since 2001. The Norwegian Food Safety Authority (Mattilsynet) is responsible for implementing the surveillance programme, while the Norwegian Veterinary Institute coordinates it, performs the laboratory investigations, analyses the data and communicates the results.

In total, 2,100 flocks from 505 farms were tested. Of all farms sampled, 83 had at least one positive flock, and of these, 28 had two or more positive flocks. Of farms with more than one positive, 18 had two positive flocks, seven had three positive flocks, one had four positive flocks and two had six positive flocks.

Results are within the range from 2020 to 2022 with 6.1%, 5.8% and 4.8% positive flocks, respectively. The prevalence is still very low, compared to most other European countries.

- Food Safety News