Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae (Erysipelas)

• Acute septicemia, the skin (subacute) form, chronic arthritis and vegetative endocarditis may occur together or seperately.
• Pigs with acute septicemia may die suddenly without previous signs. This occurs most frequently in finishing pigs weighing 100-200 lb.
• Acutely infected pigs are febrile (104°-108°F), walk stiffly, and lie on their sternums separately rather than piling in groups. They squeal when handled and may shift weight from foot to foot when standing.
• Skin discoloration may vary from widespread erythema and purplish discoloration of the ears, snout, and abdomen to diamond-shaped skin lesions almost anywhere on the body, particularly the lateral and dorsal areas.