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

Abstract
Wild European hedgehogs are frequent visitors to domestic gardens and as a result, injured and debilitated animals are often found by the public and brought into veterinary surgeries for treatment and rehabilitation. One of the aspects of this process that is overlooked is the ecto and endoparasites they carry. Parasite burdens are likely to be high in diseased patients and may contribute to disease syndromes or cause primary disease 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. This article summarises the most common parasites of hedgehogs that are likely to be encountered, their diagnosis and management.
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).
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