A genus of rod-shaped, Gram-positive bacteria able to grow with or without oxygen. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae parasitises humans, mammals, birds and fish; human infection is rare and usually follows handling of contaminated fish or meat. It is an occupational hazard for butchers, fish handlers and farmers. In swine it causes erysipelas — diamond skin disease — with fever, characteristic skin lesions and arthritis, controlled by vaccination. Human erysipeloid presents as a painful, purplish skin infection of the hands after handling infected material; food workers with cuts are most at risk, and the organism is killed by thorough cooking.