This new genus contains the animal-specific strains of the species formerly known as Erwinia herbicola or Enterobacter agglomerans. It is a Gram negative rod-shaped bacterium commonly found in the colons of warm-blooded animals. It has been found only rarely in the environment or clinical isolates, and evidence of its involvement in causing disease is questioned. The rods occur singly or in pairs and can be motile by peritrichous flagella. Growth occurs optimally at 35-37 C.