Acute nonfatal erysipelas in sows in a commercial farrow-to-finish operation

Acute nonfatal erysipelas was diagnosed in 4 sows in a 1,000-sow commercial farrow-to-finish operation in Indiana. Sows were pyrexic, lethargic, lame, and had multiple, 1.3- to 7.6-cm, erythematous rhomboid skin lesions. Outbreak was attributed to failure to properly vaccinate pigs. Further morbidity and mortality were prevented by treatment of clinically affected sows and all pigs in close proximity with procaine penicillin G daily for 3 consecutive days and vaccination of all pigs with questionable vaccination status, using bacterin of killed Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. Periodic review of herd management protocols is important to ensure that recommended vaccination schedules are being followed and animals are receiving quality vaccinations. Human error can contribute to many production problems and should be included on the differential diagnoses list.