Which Campylobacter species are of veterinary importance?

• A. jejuni and C. coli
• B. jejuni and C. upsaliensis
• C. fetus and C. lari
• D. coli and C. upsaliensis

Answer: (A)

Campylobacter species that are routinely encountered in livestock and poultry and pose both animal health and food-safety concerns are the ones considered veterinary-important. Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli fit this role best because they are the most frequently isolated from farm animals, especially poultry, pigs, and cattle, and they serve as major reservoirs for human infection through the food chain. Their widespread presence in production animals drives the need for monitoring and control in veterinary settings. While other species like Campylobacter fetus can cause specific diseases in ruminants (such as abortions) and Campylobacter upsaliensis is linked to dogs and cats (with occasional human cases), the overall impact on routine veterinary practice and public health is greatest with C. jejuni and C. coli.