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Epidemiology

Campylobacter upsaliensis is found worldwide, and is among the predominant Campylobacter spp. associated with enteritis in companion animals. Diarrhetic dogs are considered a possible source for human infections, though there may exist distinct host-specific strains also. Sources for companion animals include raw or undercooked meats, especially poultry. Poor sanitary conditions in kennels and shelters where animals are in direct contact with feces have also been implicated. Humans can become infected after contact with contaminated cat and dog feces, which accounts for a small percentage of human campylobacteriosis cases. The majority of human cases are food-borne. Younger animals and children with underdeveloped immune systems are at greatest risk of infection. C. upsaliensis infections are usually isolated events that don’t evolve into outbreaks, and the infection is generally self-limiting.

Dogs may also be asymptomatically infected and act as carriers, so dog feces should always be handled carefully even if the animal isn’t diarrhetic. It is unknown how long infected animals shed C. upsaliensis in feces, but stressful events may increase shedding. The proportion of animals carrying C. upsaliensis is 66% in cats 75% in dogs.