You want to help a hedgehog, but ask yourself whether hedgehog parasites are dangerous to humans. Even if a hedgehog appears perfectly healthy, it may have parasites or other pathogens that are transmissible to humans.

How can you protect yourself from hedgehog parasites?

Even after a short contact with the hedgehog, you should thoroughly wax your hands, so that dangerous hedgehog parasites are not transmitted. For washing, use warm water and soap. If possible you should disinfect your hands afterwards. By the way, you should never touch a hedgehog without gloves. These serve not only to protect you from the spines, but also from pathogens which can enter your body through the smallest wounds.

Infection risk due to corynebacteria

Corynebacterium ulcerans is a representative of the pseudotuberculosis pathogen. This pathogen was first described in the 1950s as a diphtheria pathogen in humans. In recent years, this pathogen has been increasingly isolated in wildlife, dogs, and cats. The bacteria cause a diphtheria-like illness in humans. In western industrialized countries, this pathogen is a major cause of diphtheria-like illness. In Germany, there are up to 19 cases per year.

You can protect yourself against it by getting vaccinated against diphtheria regularly.

What other pathogens are found in hedgehogs?

When caring for a sick hedgehog, there is a risk that disease-causing microorganisms can be transmitted to humans. These include salmonella, leptospires, listeria, and chlamydia, as well as various multi-resistant bacteria (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus / MRSA). The hedgehog can also transmit disease-causing viruses and unicellular parasites such as giardia and cryptosporidia. Occasionally, skin fungi may also occur.

What external parasites does the hedgehog have?

External parasites (endo-ectoparasites) include:

• Fleas
• Ticks
• Fly eggs
• Maggots
• Mites

What are the internal parasites of the hedgehog?

Internal parasites include:

• Lungworms
• Lung hair and intestinal hair worms
• Tapeworms
• Intestinal Sucker Worm (Brachylaemus)
• Coccidia