Erysipelas

Description

Erysipelas, caused by Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is acquired from asymptomatic carrier pigs or contamination by the short lived bacteria in the environment. In sheep, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae causes arthritis (often post-marking) and post-dipping lameness due to laminitis. In pigs, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae causes fatal septicaemia (peracute form); fever, lameness, vasculitis associated urticaria or “diamond” skin lesions (acute form); arthritis and valvular endocarditis (chronic form). Fevers in pregnant sows can result in abortion. Cyanosis may develop from vasculitis or valvular endocarditis. The chronic form is generally accompanied by firm, swollen joints and sloughing of necrotic skin.

Diagnosis and tests available

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is based on clinical signs, post mortem and histological examination; infection is confirmed by isolation of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae from affected tissues.

Tests available

Test	Sample(s) required	Days of the week test is conducted	Turnaround time¹
Culture for Erysipelothrix species	Swab or fresh tissue or post mortem sample	Monday – Saturday²	7 days
Erysipelas PCR³	PCR performed from culture	Monday –Friday	Up to 5 days
Histopathology examination	Fixed tissue	Monday –Friday	Up to 5 days
Necropsy examination	Cadaver	Monday – Saturday²	Same day

¹Turnaround times are provided as a guide only. For specific information about your submission please contact Customer Service.
²Prior approval of delivery and testing on Saturday is required. Please contact Customer Service on 1800 675 623 to seek approval.
³ This test is not NATA accredited.

Note

PCR can be used to detect bacteria in chronic lesions (e.g. endocarditis).
Bacteriological examination of the foetus or placenta is not warranted as abortion is due to maternal pyrexia.

Additional Information

Specimen requirements

Fixed tissue
Affected joint synovium, sections of skin, endocardium, liver, kidney, lung and spleen. Submit fixed in neutral buffered formalin at a 10:1 ratio of formalin: tissue
Fresh tissue
Whole affected joint, sections of skin, endocardium, liver, kidney, lung and spleen. Submit chilled.
Swab
Swab from affected joint synovium, collected aseptically Send without transport medium Submit chilled

Customer Service

Contact Customer Service for enquiries relating to testing and results, quotations and pricing, couriers, sample submission and invoicing.

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CONTACT DETAILS
Phone	1800 675 623
Email	laboratory.services@dpi.nsw.gov.au
Operating Hours	8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays) 8:30am-12:00pm Saturday (for deliveries only)
Postal Address	Private Bag 4008, Narellan NSW 2567

Quotations

For Animal export, Plant health or Veterinary quotations, please complete the online quotation request

For Edible oil & oilseed or Feed quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wagga Wagga on (02) 6938 1957

For Plant nutrition, Soil health or Water quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wollongbar on (02) 6626 1103

Submission Forms

Veterinary Specimen Advice Form

Please Note: These documents are not fully web accessible, please contact Customer Service (laboratory.services@dpi.nsw.gov.au) for more information.

Courier services and specimen delivery

For NSW submissions, please contact the relevant Customer Service team for courier account details and to order consignment notes.

For submitters outside of NSW, Couriers can be contacted directly to make bookings and arrange collection of packages at the submitters own cost.

Commercial couriers may use either road or air transport and specimens should therefore be packed in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements. Most submission sent by veterinarians to the SVDL for testing are defined as “Biological Substance Category B” and must be packed according to the IATA packing instructions 650 (Biological Substance Category B). As requirements for transport can change, customers should consult with their transport agent to obtain current requirements.

Samples may also be hand delivered to the site during normal business hours (8.30am - 4.30pm).

Sample Type	Laboratory	Street Address
Animal (including aquatic animals)	NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL)	EMAI, Woodbridge Road, Menangle NSW 2568