AN UNCOMMON CASE OF ERISIPELAS IN SUCKLING PIGS. CLINICAL AND PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Introduction: Swine erysipelas is caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. It is present in most pig farms, both in the pigs and in the environment. The microorganism is excreted via saliva, faeces or urine. The disease is relatively uncommon in pigs under 8-12 weeks of age due to passive immunity protection. The most susceptible animals are growing pigs, non-vaccinated gilts and sows up to 4th parity. Materials and Methods: Piglets from 10 to 25 days of age, belonging to a farrow to finish farm (180 sows unvaccinated for erysipelas), showed lethargy, fever, severe cutaneous hyperaemia and sudden death. Ten litters, with around 20-30% of the suckers were involved. The epidemics lasted for 15 days. Fifteen days before the onset of the clinical signs in piglets, some pregnant sows showed anorexia and rhomboid skin lesions. Necropsy on six death piglets was performed, followed by bacteriological and histological investigations. Results: Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was isolated. Histologically, an active hyperaemia of the renal parenchyma and cortical and medullary multifocal haemorrhages were evident. An acute thrombo- necrotic glomerulonephritis was present; glomeruli appeared hyperaemic and several capillaries contained hyaline thrombi and rare neutrophils. The tubular epithelium showed swelling and steatosis, while tubular lumen was filled by proteinaceous material. Skin showed aspects of thrombotic microvasculitis, with arterioles leukostasis in the deep dermis. Hyperaemia and haemorrhages were observed in lungs, liver, heart, spleen and lymph nodes. Conclusions: A rare case of erysipelas in suckling piglets was reported in an unvaccinated farrow to finish herd. Bacteriological and histological findings confirmed the diagnosis.