Outbreak of occupational campylobacteriosis associated with a pheasant farm

A cluster of campylobacteriosis cases occurred at a pheasant farm in rural Wyoming during the summer of 2000. This study examined the potential causes of the outbreak. A cohort study of all farm workers was conducted to assess foodborne and occupational exposures at the facility. Eight of fifteen workers (53%) became ill, and four were stool-culture positive for Campylobacter jejuni. High attack rates were noted among workers who had direct contact with pheasant feces and first-time workers at the farm. This investigation suggests an association between campylobacteriosis and occupational animal exposure to pheasants. Enhanced educational efforts targeting occupations with direct animal contact are critical, particularly in rural communities.