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==Description==
==Description==
An infectious disease caused by [[Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae|Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae]]. The disease is characterised by sudden death, septicaemia, [[Joints Inflammatory - Pathology#Arthritis|arthritis]], [[Endocardiosis|endocarditis]], diamond shaped skin lesions, laminitis and abortion in pregnant sows.
An infectious disease caused by [[Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae|''Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae'']]. The disease is characterised by sudden death, septicaemia, [[Joints Inflammatory - Pathology#Arthritis|arthritis]], [[Endocarditis|endocarditis]], diamond shaped skin lesions, laminitis and abortion in pregnant sows.
Carrier pigs act as a reservoir of infection and organisms are excreted in faeces. Infection occurs via ingestion of contaminated food and water, or through skin abrasions.
Carrier pigs act as a reservoir of infection and organisms are excreted in faeces. Infection occurs via ingestion of contaminated food and water, or through skin abrasions.
==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
Development of the typical diamond shaped lesion on the skin is pathognomic for this disease. Erysipelas should be considered in any cases where fever and lameness occur together, or in pregnant sows struggling to farrow in combination with a fever.
Development of the typical diamond shaped lesion on the skin is pathognomic for this disease. Erysipelas should be considered in any cases where '''fever and lameness occur together''', or in '''pregnant sows struggling to farrow in combination with a fever'''.
==Clinical signs==
===Clinical signs===
Clinical outcome depends on susceptibility of pigs and virulence of the strain. Pigs are susceptible after maternal antibody has waned (after 3 months) and before protective immunity acquired (3 years).
Clinical outcome depends on susceptibility of pigs and virulence of the strain. Pigs are susceptible after maternal antibody has waned (after 3 months) and before protective immunity acquired (3 years).
Additionally valvular lesions may develop in the heart causing chronic valvular [[Endocarditis| endocarditis]], vegetative thrombosis of mitral valves and asymptomatic or congestive heart failure sometimes resulting in sudden death following stress.
Additionally valvular lesions may develop in the heart causing chronic valvular [[Endocarditis| endocarditis]], vegetative thrombosis of mitral valves and asymptomatic or congestive heart failure sometimes resulting in sudden death following stress.
==Pathology==
===Gross===
Slender Gram-positive rods can be seen on microscopy of acute lesions and filamentous forms in chronic lesions and on smears.
High levels of antibiody may be found in joint fluid and so may aid diagnosis.
[[ELISA testing|ELISA]] and Polymerase Chain Reaction tests are also avilable which can be used directly on tissue or following culture.
===Pathology===
Post mortem diagnosis may be needed for definitive diagnosis, in particular the, [[Liver - Anatomy & Physiology| liver]], [[Spleen - Anatomy & Physiology|spleen]], heart valves, [[The Endocrine Function of the Kidney - Anatomy & Physiology| kidney]], a long bone and synovial tissues should be submitted for bacterial examination.
====Gross====
Hyperacute:
Hyperacute:
No specific lesions but congestion of the carcass and change in skin colour.
No specific lesions but congestion of the carcass and change in skin colour.
Necrotic skin lesions may be present.
Necrotic skin lesions may be present.
===Histologically===
====Histologically====
Vegetative lesions on the heart valves consist of connective and granulation tissue.
Vegetative lesions on the heart valves consist of connective and granulation tissue.
Synovial lesions consist of macrophages and lymphocytes.
Synovial lesions consist of macrophages and lymphocytes.