Porcine arthritis and meat hygiene in South Africa

The incidence, economic implications, aetiology and possible public health significance or porcine arthritis in South African slaughter pigs is discussed. An investigation into the aetiology and pathology of porcine arthritis as found at a South African abbattoir revealed that Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was present in 48% of the affected joints and Streptococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp. and Staphylococcus spp. in 20%, 4% and 2% respectively. The joints showed various degress of subacute to chronic proliferative sero-fibrinous to fibrinopurulent arthritis regardless of whether bacteria were isolated. It is essential that the Lnn. axillares primae costae which drain the forelimb joints also be examined routinely during meat inspection.