Pathogenicity

PATHOGENECITY

Symptoms

  • Erysipelas occurs in pigs of all ages, but pigs from 2 months to one year age are highly susceptible.
  • Four forms of clinical disease in swine have been described.
    • Acute septicaemia
    • Urticarial or diamond skin lesions
    • Vegetative endocarditis
    • Arthritis
  • These may occur alone or in combination. Swine erysipelas manifest in three forms.

Acute

  • The acute disease is characterized by high fever, inappetance, depression, a rapid course of illness, and death within 2-3 days in untreated animals.
  • Some animals may show a stiff gait and reluctance to stand or move, and urticarial cutaneous lesions may develop.
  • The diamond shaped raised skin lesions are pathognomonic. Pregnant sows may abort.

sub acute

  • Sub acute disease is similar to the acute except that it is less severe and animals are likely to recover within 5-7 days.

chronic course

  • In the chronic form arthritis is more common.
  • The hock, stifle, elbow and carpal joints are most likely to be affected resulting in severe lameness.
  • The mitral valves are involved in valvular endocarditis.
Last modified: Monday, 4 June 2012, 4:52 AM