Studies on the bacterial floral of condemmed portions from arthritic hogs.

Studies were conducted on the bacterial floral of 122 excised joints and related iliac and inguinal lymph nodes, 118 whole hams and 42 shoulders from condemned arthritic hog carcasses. Erysipelothrix insidiosa was isolated from 15% of the joints and lymph nodes, 20% of the hams, and 33% of the shoulders. Beta-hemolytic streptococci were recovered from 12% of the joints and lymph nodes, 49% of the hams, and 54% of the shoulders. Staphylococcus aureus was found in 3% of the joints and lymph nodes, 16% of the hams and 14% of the shoulders. Gross tissue changes were not pathognomonic for any causative organism.