Hedgehogs can carry several illnesses that pose a risk to people in Canada and the United States. The main concerns include rabies, leptospirosis, ringworm, salmonellosis, and tetanus. Exposure through bites or direct contact with an infected hedgehog can raise the likelihood of transmission, and health authorities stress cautious handling of wild or pet hedgehogs.
Rabies remains one of the most dangerous infections. Any mammal can carry the virus, and hedgehogs are among common carriers. For a person to become infected, the virus must enter through a bite or direct contact with saliva on broken skin or mucous membranes. Early preventive steps and prompt medical advice after exposure are essential in North America.
Hedgehogs can also harbor leptospirosis, sometimes called Weil’s disease. The bacteria are shed in urine and other bodily fluids, and humans can become infected when contaminated water, soil, or objects come into contact with broken skin or mucous membranes. Leptospirosis can cause fever, muscle pain, liver and kidney problems, and can be severe if not treated.
Infection can occur through contact with urine and other fluids from sick animals or through contaminated objects in the environment. Transmission may occur via a bite, but other routes include contact with mucous membranes such as the eyes, nose, or mouth, or exposure to broken skin. Thorough hand washing after handling hedgehogs is advised to minimize risk.
Salmonellosis is another concern with mammals. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever, reflecting significant gastrointestinal upset. Close contact with an infected animal or exposure to contaminated environments can transmit the disease.
There is a risk of tetanus if a hedgehog bite or a wound becomes contaminated with soil or dust. Keeping up-to-date tetanus vaccinations is a prudent precaution for anyone who may be exposed to animal bites.
Hedgehogs can also carry a variety of parasitic infections. Approximately three dozen helminth species have been identified in hedgehogs, and transmission can occur through soil, contaminated objects, or direct contact with the animal. Protective hygiene helps reduce these risks.
Cutaneous fungal infections, commonly called ringworm, can pass from hedgehogs to people. These dermatophyte infections spread through direct contact or by touching contaminated surfaces or tools used around the animal.
Additionally, there is a separate food safety concern linked to dried fish and botulism. Proper storage and preparation reduce this risk and highlight the importance of safe handling around wild animals and foods.
To minimize infection risk, direct contact with hedgehogs should be limited, especially with wild specimens. Avoid kissing or cuddling wild animals, wear gloves when handling them, wash hands thoroughly afterward, and clean surfaces and gear. Seek medical advice promptly after a bite or exposure, even if there is no visible wound.