Erysipeloid Condition Among Workers in a Bone Button Factory Due to the Bacillus of Swine Erysipelas

Abstract

210 cases of erysipeloid occurred in a bone-button factory among those handling cattle or hog bones. There was a close correlation with handling of wet bone and occupations in which injuries were frequent. Repeated attacks were frequent, indicating little or no local or general immunity produced by an attack. The swine-erysipelas bacillus was isolated from 1 case and from samples of bone, bone material and bone waste collected at various stages in button manufacture. To rid the plant of the infection the authors recommend heating of all bones entering the plant, in the soaking vats, to 144[degree] for at least 2 hrs.