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Protect Your Herd from Swine Erysipelas
Caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, swine erysipelas remains one of the oldest and most costly threats in swine production. Whether appearing as acute septicemia or lingering as chronic arthritis and endocarditis, it poses severe health risks and frequently leads to carcass condemnation. Fortunately, it is entirely preventable through robust biosecurity, targeted vaccination, and rigorous management.
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Causes of swine erysipelas
Swine erysipelas is driven by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, a resilient bacterium frequently carried by healthy pigs. The pathogen colonizes the tonsils and lymphoid tissues, shedding into the herd through feces, saliva, and nasal secretions. Transmission typically occurs when pigs ingest contaminated feed, water, or manure, or when the bacteria enter through skin abrasions. Under conditions of stress or immunosuppression, these silent carriers often develop full clinical outbreaks.
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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Apply strict biosecurity measures
Prevent disease entry by controlling access to the farm. Quarantine new pigs, limit visitors, and reduce contact with wild animals, birds, and rodents. Pay attention to feed and water hygiene as well.:format(webp))
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