Erysipelas is a well-known infection caused by Streptococcus in humans and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in animals, including pigs, turkeys, and chickens. This bacterium attacks the skin and is usually found in small scratches and open wounds. This bacterium can survive in the soil for a long time, depending on the temperature.
Nevertheless, it also travels throughout the body, causing serious bloodstream infections. If left untreated, this septicemic disease can lead to death. Turkeys have been the most affected birds, but there were also serious outbreaks in chickens.
Carriers of this disease may experience vomiting, severe fever, and chills. This life-threatening disease may be transmitted through feces carriers and vertical transmission (from mother to baby). It is also usually found in places where nitrogenous substances decompose.
There is also a huge possibility of being infected if housing or land was previously used by infected pigs. Among the symptoms include a swollen comb, depression, respiratory problems, diarrhea, as well as sudden death. So far, the best treatment is penicillin. However, it may take several weeks before the skin goes back to normal.
Tetracyclines may also be helpful once added to feeds. Meanwhile, the recommended preventive measure is biosecurity, which means farm animals should be protected from diseases. And because transmission into poultry houses can also happen through rodents, it is also important that coops are well-protected and safe from predators.
