I am a Gram-positive, catalase-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming, nonacid-fast, nonmotile bacterium. Distributed worldwide, I am primarily considered an animal pathogen, causing the disease known as erysipelas that may affect a wide range of animals. Pigs, turkeys and laying hens are most commonly affected by me, but cases have been reported in other mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. In pigs, the disease is known as "diamond skin disease". I can also cause zoonotic infections in humans, called erysipeloid.