[Campylobacter jejuni, Yersinia enterocolitica and Salmonella in game and poultry]

Samples of various sorts of game and poultry (other than chicken), obtained from poulterers, hunters, rearing-farms and slaughterhouses, were surveyed for the presence of Campylobacter jejuni, Yersinia enterocolitica and Salmonella. These pathogens were isolated from hare, wild boars, pheasants, guinea-fowl, turkeys, mallards and domestic ducks. Yersinia enterocolitica and Salmonella were also cultured from wild and domestic rabbits. Moreover, Yersinia enterocolitica was isolated from wood pigeons. The possible origins of contamination of game and poultry with these pathogenic bacteria and the risks of food-borne infection caused by these products are discussed.