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Protect your pigs from swine erysipelas
Swine erysipelas, caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, is one of the oldest and most economically damaging diseases in swine production. It can present suddenly as septicemia or as chronic arthritis and endocarditis, and is a common cause of carcass condemnation. Despite its severity, erysipelas is highly preventable through effective biosecurity, vaccination, and proper management.
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Causes of swine erysipelas
Swine erysipelas is caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, a bacterium commonly carried by healthy pigs. The organism resides primarily in the tonsils and can be shed via feces, saliva, or nasal secretions. Most infections begin through ingestion of contaminated feed, water, or feces, or via skin abrasions. Stress and immunosuppression can trigger clinical outbreaks in carrier animals.
How Swine Erysipelas transmits
Erysipelas spreads in multiple ways:
- Oral ingestion of contaminated feces, water, or feed
- Direct contact with infected pigs or contaminated surfaces
- Skin abrasions, especially during rough handling or fights
- Carrier pigs that are asymptomatic but shed the bacteria
The bacterium can persist in manure for months and is highly resistant to environmental conditions, making hygiene and sanitation critical in prevention.
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What are the symptoms of swine erysipelas ?
Early detection is vital to manage and treat the disease effectively. Pay particular attention to:
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- Enlarged joints and lameness
- High fever (40°–42°C)
- Lethargy and reluctance to move
- Diamond-shaped skin lesions
- Reduced growth rates
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How can you protect your animals from Swine Erysipelas
Protecting pigs from swine erysipelas requires a proactive and integrated approach. Vaccinating breeding stock is a key strategy (in some cases, finishing pigs may also require vaccination), but it's only part of the solution. Because the bacterium can survive in the environment and many pigs carry it without symptoms, biosecurity and hygiene are equally critical.
New animals should be quarantined, pest control must be enforced, and all staff and visitors should follow strict hygiene protocols.
Addiotionally, regular and thorough cleaning of feeding and resting areas and tools should be paired with disinfection using proven products such as MS Megades Novo. This powerful disinfectant helps reduce environmental contamination and lowers the risk of reinfection.
The 4 steps to prevent Swine Erysipelas
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Adopt a consistent vaccination protocol
Vaccination is a cornerstone of disease prevention. All breeding animals should be vaccinated and receive booster shots at least every six months. In the event of severe outbreaks, it may also be necessary to vaccinate growing pigs. Always follow your veterinarian’s recommendations and strictly adhere to the instructions provided in the vaccine leaflet and by the manufacturer.:format(webp))
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Monitor animals daily
Observe pigs for early signs like fever or reduced appetite. Early detection and prompt treatment reduce the severity of outbreaks and protect the rest of the herd. Collaborate with your veterinarian for routine health monitoring.Frequently asked questions about Swine Erysipelas
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