obsolete swine erysipelas

Obsolescence of Swine Erysipelas

Swine erysipelas, a bacterial disease caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, has been a significant concern in the pork industry for decades. However, with advancements in veterinary medicine and swine production practices, the incidence and impact of this disease have decreased over time.

• Historical context: Swine erysipelas was first reported in the United States in the 1930s [5] and has been a recognized disease in swine ever since.
• Declining prevalence: The disease was once widespread, but its prevalence has declined significantly due to improvements in animal husbandry, vaccination programs, and biosecurity measures [6].
• Shift from acute to chronic cases: In the past, swine erysipelas often presented as acute septicemia or sudden death. However, with better management practices, the disease now tends to manifest as chronic arthritis, endocarditis, or subacute cutaneous lesions [1, 8].

While swine erysipelas is no longer a major concern in modern swine production, it remains an important disease to recognize and manage, particularly in older or stressed animals. Producers and veterinarians must remain vigilant to prevent outbreaks and control the spread of this bacterial pathogen.

References:

[1] Context result 1 [5] Context result 5 [6] Context result 6 [8] Context result 8

Obsolete Swine Erysipelas Signs and Symptoms

Swine erysipelas, also known as erysipelas in pigs, is a bacterial disease that affects pigs. The signs and symptoms of this disease can vary depending on the form of the disease.

• Acute Form: In the acute form of swine erysipelas, growing pigs may show signs of septicemia such as fever and anorexia, often followed by sudden death [10]. They appear listless, ataxic, and have weight loss.
• Chronic Form: The chronic manifestation of swine erysipelas is most commonly characterized by signs of arthritis (stiffness) in pigs that may follow acute or subacute disease [1].
• Cutaneous Lesions: Swine erysipelas can also cause cutaneous lesions, which are diamond-shaped skin lesions [15].
• Septicaemic Form: In the septicaemic form of swine erysipelas, pigs may show signs of septicemia such as fever and anorexia, often followed by sudden death [10].

Other Signs and Symptoms

In addition to these specific forms of swine erysipelas, there are other signs and symptoms that can occur in pigs affected by this disease. These include:

• Sudden Death: Sudden death is a common sign of swine erysipelas, especially in the acute form [10].
• Listlessness: Pigs with swine erysipelas may appear listless and have decreased egg production (in females) [3].
• Ataxia: Growing pigs with swine erysipelas may show signs of ataxia, which is a lack of coordination or balance [1].
• Weight Loss: Pigs with swine erysipelas may experience weight loss due to decreased appetite and anorexia [10].

References

[1] by T Opriessnig · 2020 · Cited by 61 — The chronic manifestation of erysipelas, which may follow acute or subacute disease in pigs, is most commonly characterized by signs of arthritis (stiffness, ...

[3] by L Van Es · 1942 · Cited by 3 — Swine erysipelas in man in its most common form may be defined as an inflammatory disease of the skin, usually observed on the hands and fingers. It is ...

[10] by HH Nollens · 2016 · Cited by 9 — In swine and poultry, the prevention of erysipelas has largely relied on vaccination using attenuated live or inactivated bacteria or more recently recombinant.

[15] Erysipelas is an older swine disease, known from producers in the USA. Signs of an acute form of erysipelas are non-specific. Growing pigs show signs of septicemia such as fever and anorexia, often followed by sudden death. They appear listless, ataxic, and have weight loss.

Diagnostic Tests for Obsolete Swine Erysipelas

Swine erysipelas, a bacterial disease caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, has been a significant concern in the swine industry. While it is still present today, its prevalence and diagnostic methods have evolved over time. Here are some obsolete diagnostic tests for swine erysipelas:

• Serologic tests: These tests were used to determine previous exposure or success of vaccination protocols by measuring antibody titers (1, 14). However, they cannot reliably diagnose erysipelas.
• ELISAs and complement fixation tests: These serologic tests were available in selected laboratories for determining previous exposure or success of vaccination protocols (14).
• Hemagglutination inhibition test: This blood test was performed twice, 14 days apart, to test for rising titer levels (5).

Note on Obsolete Tests

These diagnostic tests are no longer commonly used today due to advancements in technology and the availability of more reliable methods. Modern diagnostic techniques, such as bacterial culture, molecular testing, and PCR, have become the standard for diagnosing swine erysipelas.

References:

[1] - Context 11 [5] - Context 5 [14] - Context 14

Treatment Options for Obsolete Swine Erysipelas

Swine erysipelas, a bacterial infection caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, has been a significant concern in the swine industry. While modern treatments and vaccination strategies have largely replaced traditional methods, it's essential to understand the historical treatment approaches for obsolete swine erysipelas.

• Penicillin: Historically, penicillin was the primary treatment for swine erysipelas. It was effective against the bacteria and could be administered orally or intramuscularly (IM). According to search results [5], penicillin is still considered an effective treatment option for acute cases of swine erysipelas.
• Erysipelas Antiserum: In some cases, antiserum was used in conjunction with penicillin to treat swine erysipelas. The antiserum was derived from the blood of immunized animals and provided passive immunity against the bacteria [14].
• Other Antibiotics: While not specifically mentioned as a treatment for obsolete swine erysipelas, other antibiotics such as beta-lactam antibiotics, macrolides, or phenicols may have been used in some cases [7].

It's essential to note that these historical treatment approaches are largely obsolete and have been replaced by more modern and effective methods. Vaccination strategies, including the use of commercial vaccines containing inactivated bacteria (bacterins), have become the primary means of preventing swine erysipelas [15].

Differential Diagnosis of Swine Erysipelas

Swine erysipelas, caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity with other diseases. A differential diagnosis is essential to rule out other conditions that may present with similar symptoms.

Similar Diseases and Conditions:

• African Swine Fever: This disease also presents with skin lesions, fever, and lameness, making it a key differential diagnosis.
• Classical Swine Fever: Another important differential diagnosis, this disease can cause similar clinical signs, including skin lesions and systemic symptoms.
• Swine Cholera: Also known as Hemorrhagic Dysentery, this disease can present with diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, which may be mistaken for swine erysipelas.
• Porcine Dermatitis-Nephropathy Syndrome (PDNS): This condition can cause skin lesions, kidney damage, and systemic symptoms, making it a differential diagnosis to consider.
• Pseudorabies: Also known as Aujeszky's disease, this viral infection can cause similar clinical signs, including skin lesions, fever, and neurological symptoms.

Key Diagnostic Features:

• Diamond-shaped skin lesions: These are characteristic of swine erysipelas and can be used to differentiate it from other diseases.
• Septicemia: Swine erysipelas can cause systemic infection, which may present with symptoms such as fever, lethargy, and decreased appetite.
• Arthritis and lameness: These symptoms can occur in chronic cases of swine erysipelas.

Diagnostic Tools:

• Bacterial culture: This is the gold standard for diagnosing swine erysipelas. A positive culture result confirms the presence of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.
• Serological tests: These can be used to detect antibodies against Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, but they may not always be reliable.

Conclusion:

Differential diagnosis is crucial when diagnosing swine erysipelas. By considering the key diagnostic features and differential diagnoses, veterinarians can make an accurate diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment.