Erysipeloid skin infection model. Wax model of a human hand showing the redness and oedema (swelling) caused by an erysipeloid (Erythema serpens) infection. Erysipeloid is an infection of the skin and underlying tissues caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. It most commonly occurs in persons handling fish, meat or poultry where the bacteria enter the body through cuts in the skin. This model was made in 1936. Photographed in the museum of the National Veterinary School of Alfort, Maisons-Alfort, France.