Management of parasites of mammalian wildlife in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus)

The wild European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a nonterritorial nocturnal species of mammal with a flexible diet consisting of a wide range of invertebrates, as well as small vertebrates and carrion. It is a frequent visitor to domestic gardens looking for shelter and food. As a result, injured and debilitated animals are often found by the public and brought into veterinary surgeries for treatment and rehabilitation. Hedgehogs carry a variety of parasites and burdens are likely to be high in already diseased patients. These parasites may contribute to on-going disease syndromes or cause clinical parasitoses in their own right. Some also have limited zoonotic potential. Veterinary nurses need to be able to help the veterinary surgeon diagnose parasitic infections in hedgehog patients and assess their significance

Parasites carried by hedgehogs can be broadly categorised into endo and ectoparasites.

Hedgehogs may be infected by mites, fleas and ticks.

A number of different species of mite may cause mange in hedgehogs. There have been relatively few studies establishing prevalence of these parasites in the UK, but a study in 2001 found prevalence of clinical mange in hedgehogs brought into clinic to be 6% (Bunnell, 2001).