Shifts in the Molecular Epidemiology of Campylobacter jejuni Infections in a Sentinel Region of New Zealand following Implementation of Food Safety Interventions by the Poultry Industry

Abstract

This study provides a unique insight into the effects of food safety interventions implemented in one sector of the food industry on the transmission routes of a major foodborne agent. Following the implementation of food safety interventions by the poultry industry, shifts in the molecular epidemiology of Campylobacter jejuni infections in a sentinel region of New Zealand were observed. Targeted interventions to reduce disease incidence are effective but require continued surveillance and analysis to indicate where further interventions may be beneficial.