Diamond-shaped lesions on the skin - Atlas of swine pathology

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Possible causes: Erysipela

Skin lesions found on a fattening pig at an abattoir. They are the typical cutaneous lesions of erysipelas, caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. The clinical picture is characterised by the emergence of small, raised and rhomboidal (diamond-shaped) red areas (erythema) and oedema on the skin that can become necrotic in their central area, giving place to crusting. The tips of the ears and the tail can also become necrotic.