Erysipelas (ERY)

The causative agent of swine erysipelas is the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, which usually gains access to swine carriers via contaminated water or feed, usually through the tonsils or other lymphoid tissue of the digestive tract.

Acute cases of infection cause septicemic disease that can manifest in a variety of clinical signs including purple “diamond skin” lesions, lethargy, abortions and even sudden death. Subacute cases are clinically less severe and chronic cases can cause chronic arthritis or respiratory disease.

Prevention measures, rather than treatment, for ERY is recommended and can be accomplished through vaccination. Acute outbreaks can usually be controlled by administering penicillin along with antimicrobials.