Title: NADIS - National Animal Disease Information Service
Headings: Erysipelas
Erysipelas
Fig 1: Sloughing of the skin of the scrotum secondary to necrosis following Erysipelas infection
Fig 2: Sloughing of the skin of the neck secondary to necrosis following Erysipelas infection
Clinical Signs
Fig 3: Classic 'diamonds' in a growing pig
Fig 4: 'Cauliflower' growths on heart valves (Endocariditis)
Fig 5: Crippling, irreversible arthritis in a growing pig (photo courtesy W J Smith)
Circumstances
Treatment
Control
Conclusion

Content: Control
Safe and effective vaccines are available and are very cheap. Considering the high risk of Erysipelas to pigs, particularly in straw based, and back yard outdoor systems, it is an essential component of any health programme to vaccinate all breeding stock (gilts, sows and boars) to prevent the disease. A primary 2 dose course, with appropriate interval, should be followed by boosters for sows every parity and every 6 months for boars. Sow boosters are often given at weaning although protection of the offspring up to 8 - 10 weeks of age can better be achieved by vaccinating 2 - 3 weeks before farrowing. For sows, vaccines are available in combination with other pathogens. In rare cases the strain involved may not be covered by a commercial vaccine in which case if the problem persists in a herd an autogenous vaccine may be required produced under special licence using the specific farm isolate. In high-risk situations, vaccination of young stock from 6 weeks of age (either with a single dose or, if necessary, a 2 dose course) can be applied. The key to preventing Erysipelas arthritis rests in limiting exposure to the organism, which can come from several sources (i.e. birds, mice and other pigs). Bird scarers, bird netting, proximity of birds of prey and coverage of feed hoppers etc will all reduce the chances that feed will become contaminated with bird faeces. Likewise, a vigorous rodent control programme is essential. (