People are infected when they have a puncture wound or scrape while they are handling infected animal matter.
Erysipelothricosis results in a purplish red, hardened rash that may itch, burn, and/or swell.
Doctors diagnose erysipelothricosis based on culture of a sample of infected tissue.
The infection can be effectively treated with antibiotics.

(See also Overview of Bacteria.)
Erysipelothrix bacteria are common worldwide and may infect a variety of animals, including shellfish, fish, birds, and mammals (especially swine), and insects. People acquire the infection from a puncture wound or scrape that occurs while handling infected animal matter (such as carcasses or fish). Risk is increased for butchers, people who work in slaughter houses, farmers, cooks, and fishermen.
People can also become infected when they are bitten by an infected cat or dog.