Preharvest Control of <em>Campylobacter</em> Colonization in Chickens: Special Emphasis on Vaccination Strategies

Campylobacter is a leading cause of human gastroenteritis, with poultry serving as the primary reservoir host. Effective preharvest control strategies are crucial for preventing or reducing Campylobacter contamination on meat surfaces. As concerns grow regarding the use of antimicrobials in animal agriculture, the importance of non-antimicrobial preharvest strategies in poultry production has become increasingly significant. This comprehensive review focuses on the biology of Campylobacter, its impact on public health, and current and emerging preharvest strategies with a special emphasis on vaccination. Preharvest strategies are broadly classified into biosecurity measures, gut microbiota modifications using prebiotics, probiotics, postbiotics, feed additives, and vaccination. While many live, attenuated, and subunit vaccines have proven effective in research settings, there are currently no commercial vaccines available. Because no single strategy can effectively combat Campylobacter, integrating multiple approaches, such as improved biosecurity measures, immunization, and dietary modifications, may provide a solution for reducing Campylobacter loads in poultry. Embracing a “One Health” approach, gaining a deeper understanding of Campylobacter pathophysiology, making advancements in vaccine technology, and implementing holistic farm management practices will be essential for sustainable control of Campylobacter and for reducing the risk of human campylobacteriosis.