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: In small populations kept in back yards, orchards or paddocks there is plenty of opportunity for access by birds and rodents and the persistence of the organism in soil favours persistence of disease. Treatment
The acute disease (diamonds, abortion) is relatively easily and effectively treated with narrow spectrum penicillin-based antibiotics, either given by injection, in water or in feed depending on the extent and duration of the outbreak. A full course of treatment must be given - whilst a single short acting dose of penicillin by injection will often rapidly lead to apparent recovery (i.e. reduced temperature, return of appetite) failure to provide 3 - 5 days treatment can lead to chronic signs or re-emergence. In outbreaks of peracute, acute and endocarditic forms of the disease it is appropriate to treat the entire population metaphyllacticly using penicillin based antibiotics in feed or water. Treatment of chronically lame pigs is often disappointing - antibiotics are rarely effective against Erysipelas lameness but use of NSAID or even cortisone can give relief from pain. 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.