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[[Campylobacter species - Overview|''Campylobacter'']] are curved, gram negative, micraerophilic bacteria that parasitise the alimentary tract of animals. ''[[Campylobacter jejuni]]'' is the most common cause of food poisoning in man, therefore making this a '''zoonotic disease''' and a public health issue.

[[Campylobacter species - Overview|''Campylobacter'']] are curved, gram negative, micraerophilic bacteria that parasitise the alimentary tract of animals. ''[[Campylobacter jejuni]]'' is the most common cause of food poisoning in man, therefore making this a '''zoonotic disease''' and a public health issue.

The pathogen is very common on farms, particularly poultry, cattle and sheep farms. Dogs and cats can harbour the disease too (usually farm animals) and in these cases if the dog has been exposed to it throughout life they are generally immune. The pathogen can cause diarrhoea and clinical signs in dogs and cats that live in a hygienic environment as these are not exposed to the pathogen on a regular basis.  

The pathogen is very common on farms, particularly poultry, cattle and sheep farms. Dogs and cats can harbour the disease too ([[Campylobacteriosis - Cattle|usually farm animals]]) and in these cases if the dog has been exposed to it throughout life they are generally immune. The pathogen can cause diarrhoea and clinical signs in dogs and cats that live in a hygienic environment as these are not exposed to the pathogen on a regular basis.  

The bacteria are present in the intestinal tract of animals and are transmitted via the faecal-oral route. ''C. jejuni'' then causes colitis by necrosis of absorptive epithelial cells and erosion of the mucosa. Flaggellae play an important role in colonisation.

The bacteria are present in the intestinal tract of animals and are transmitted via the faecal-oral route. ''C. jejuni'' then causes colitis by necrosis of absorptive epithelial cells and erosion of the mucosa. Flaggellae play an important role in colonisation.