Also known as Red skin
Erysipelas (Red Skin) occurs worldwide in growing turkeys, geese, chickens, quail and Peafowl between 4.7 months. It is caused by a soil borne, gram-positive bacteria - Erysipelothrix rhuisopathiae
- Causes of Erysipelas >
- Effects of Erysipelas >
- Diagnosis of Erysipelas >
- Treatment & Control of Erysipelas >
Causes of Erysipelas
Growing turkeys, ducks, geese, chickens, quail, Peafowl are all susceptible to erysipelas. This acute to chronic disease is caused by the Gram-positive rod shaped bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. It is non-spore forming, non-acid fast and non-motile.
Mode of transmission
It can be transmitted through a break in the skin or mucous membranes or fighting between males, It is a soil-borne organism and can also be spread by cannibalism or biting flies. Contaminated fish-meal is also a source of infection.
Special note
It occurs more in males. It is necessary to wear gloves when performing a Necropsy examination with turkeys since it will infect humans, and causes diamond skin disease in pigs. It will also cause dermatitis in sheep, fish, mice and chipmunks.
Effects of Erysipelas
Signs include swollen Snoods (turkeys) and shock. The incubation period is 2-3 days. Diarrhea, emaciation, weakness, anemia, skin haemorrhage and necrosis can be seen.
Fever, cyanotic toes and head, drop in egg production and / or fertility, and embryonic mortality can occur.
Post mortem lesions
Enlarged, friable, purple-black spleen, breast muscle haemorrhage, oral mucous. Haemorrhage in muscles, spleen, lungs, fat and small intestine and endocarditis may be seen.
Fibrinopurulent Exudate in the joints, Thickening of walls or proventriculus, or gizzard ulceration and yellow nodules can occur in the caeca.
Diagnosis of Erysipelas
Laboratory isolation from lesions is important and can show smooth colonies colorless to a bluish gray, or pin-point size with smooth edges. Haemorrhagic, swollen spleen and wicked red lesions are diagnosed.
It Simulates cholera, Salmonella, gangrenous dermatitis, aspergillosis, and E. coli.
Treatment & Control of Erysipelas
Prevention
Vaccinate birds twice, one at 10/12 weeks and again at 14-16 weeks. Debeak at day one and pooling is done if necessary to prevent fighting.
No pigs should be reared near poultry and rotation of the turkey range to reduce bacteria.
Treatment
Gallimycin and penicillin can reduce signs. Disinfect premises with aerosol phenols or iodine.
