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Campylobacter found on 73 per cent of chickens
raw chicken
Campylobacter is the biggest cause of food poisoning in the UK.
FSA publishes the final results from its year-long survey

More than 70 per cent of fresh, shop-bought chickens tested by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) tested positive for the bacteria campylobacter.

Published yesterday (29 May), these findings are the final set of results from a year-long survey.

From February 2014 to February 2015, the FSA tested over 4,000 samples of whole, fresh chickens and packaging bought from large retailers and smaller independent shops and butchers.

Key results from the year:
  • 73 per cent of chickens tested positive for campylobacter
  • 19 per cent of chickens tested positive within the highest band of contamination
  • 7 per cent of packaging tested positive for the presence of campylobacter
  • 0.1 per cent tested positive within the highest band of contamination


Four major retailers published case studies yesterday to demonstrate the results of their efforts to reduce campylobacter on their raw whole chickens. Data from Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, the Co-op and Waitrose shows 'significant' decreases, the FSA said as it welcomed the news.

Director of policy, Steve Wearne, commented: "I am absolutely delighted to see the really encouraging results from these four supermarkets and their suppliers. They are making a real difference to public health, helping to cut down on the estimated 280,000 people who get ill from campylobacter each year."

He challenged other retailers to achieve the same level of reductions and to demonstrate the impact of their campylobacter-reducing strategies.

FSA has confirmed it will begin a new survey this summer, again testing fresh whole chickens. This will allow the government body to assess the impact of steps taken by the food industry to tackle campylobacter.

Richard MacDonald, chair of the Acting on Campylobacter Together board, said: "I hope we continue to see further progress in our fight to significantly reduce or even eradicate campylobacter on chickens. Individual actions and cross-industry sharing of best practice are starting to have a real and tangible impact."

For the full report: http://www.food.gov.uk/sites/default/files/full-campy-survey-report.pdf

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BSAVA partners with BVA Live 2026

News Story 1
 BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.

The organisation will be supporting BVA Live's Clinical Abstracts programme, showcasing selected abstracts of veterinary research throughout the event.

The clinical abstracts can be on any small animal veterinary subject, and must be based on research undertaken in industry, practice or academia. Abstracts can be presented in poster or oral formats.

Submissions will open on 15th December 2025, and close on 6th March 2026. You can register interest here. 

Click here for more...
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Nominations open for RCVS and VN Council elections

The nomination period for the 2026 RCVS Council and VN Council elections is now open, with three veterinary surgeon seats and two veterinary nurse seats available.

Prospective candidates can download an information pack and nomination form from the RCVS website. Individuals can nominate themselves for the elections, with the results to be announced in the spring.

Clare Paget, the recently appointed RCVS Registrar and elections returning officer, said: "If you want to play your part in influencing and moulding how the professions are regulated, and making key decisions on matters of great importance to your peers, the public and animal health and welfare, please consider standing for RCVS Council or VN Council next year."

Nominations close at 5pm on Saturday, 31 January 2026.