Objective This study explored the application of population genetics model in determining the main sources leading to sporadic cases of human campylobacter infection. Method Assigning campylobacter sporadic cases to various sources using MLST data from PubMLST public database and the population genetics model AIM (asymmetric island model). Results As a result of sporadic cases of campylobacter infection, chickens (50.49%) accounted for the highest percentage, followed by ducks and geese, cattle and pigs (22.56%, 18.36% and 4.52%, respectively), whereas the environment and wild birds accounted for a lower percentage (0.78% and 0.66%, respectively). Conclusion Based on microbial molecular typing data and statistical modelling, this study quantitatively assessed the contribution of different sources to sporadic cases of campylobacter infections in mainland China, using the AIM method for source attribution practice. It provided directions and ideas for the next stage of source attribution for foodborne diseases.