Infections with the Gram-positive bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae occur in many vertebrate species worldwide. This study describes an outbreak of erysipelas in a flock of geese, which was identified by post-mortem examination, PCR, and microbiological, biochemical, and histopathological examinations. Post-mortem examination and histopathology revealed that the geese were septic. The biochemical profile indicated only 10.6% match with E. rhusiopathiae and 88.8% match with Arcanobacterium haemolyticum. PCR was used to determine that the etiological agent of the disease was E. rhusiopathiae.

Key words: Erysipelas, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, Geese, Sepsis