Campylobacter infections occur most commonly after a person ingests contaminated food and water or raw milk.  Spread can sometimes occur through direct contact with animals, especially puppies and kittens, carrying Campylobacter bacteria in their feces.  Person-to-person spread is uncommon.

Prevention efforts should focus on good food-handling practices, especially when preparing poultry or ground beef.  Best practices include cooking meat thoroughly, washing hands frequently, and disinfecting contaminated objects and surfaces.

Hand washing should be done after having direct contact with animals, especially puppies and kittens.  In addition, pets with diarrhea should be treated by a veterinarian to help reduce the risk of human infection.

If you are infected and prepare or handle food commercially or work in child care or health care, you should NOT return to work until your diarrhea has stopped and your health care provider or the public health agency says it is permissible to do so. 

Prevention Recommendations

• Cook chicken and turkey thoroughly to an internal temperature of 160°F.

• Wash hands after handling raw poultry.

• Wash objects and surfaces after being contaminated with raw meats.

• Do not drink untreated water (from streams, lakes, etc.).

• Do not drink raw milk or eat other unpasteurized dairy foods.

• Wash your hands after changing diapers and before eating.

• Wash your hands after having direct contact with animals or their feces.

• Puppies and kittens with diarrhea should be seen by a veterinarian.