A preliminary investigation into the endoparasite load of the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in Ireland

Abstract

Access to the full text of the published version may require a subscription. Abstract: The European hedgehog is strictly protected in the Republic of Ireland but has been little studied. Carcasses, such as road kill casualties, can provide valuable information on population demographics, parasite load and general body condition. This study aimed to examine the species of endoparasites present in hedgehogs, their prevalence and intensities and whether differences occurred depending on the age and sex of the hedgehog. Carcasses were collected and examined from around Ireland, over a 3-year period. In 21 of the 23 hedgehogs examined, endoparasites were identified. The nematode species, Crenosoma triatum and Capillaria erinacei were both positively identified. C. striatium was confined to the lungs, whereas C. erinacei was the most prevalent (87%) endoparasite and occurred in the stomach and intestines. There was a significantly higher load of Crenosoma striatum observed in male hedgehogs compared to females, but no significant difference was observed in the intensity of C. erinacei between the sexes. In all tissues, a greater mean endoparasite load was observed in male hedgehogs. Sex differences in exposure or immunity to parasitism could be related to the males ' larger home range and the effects of oestrogen levels on immunity. Rights

Different Parasite Faunas in Sympatric Populations of Sister Hedgehog Species in a Secondary Contact Zone

“…[21] – [24] ). These are complimented by several more recent studies [16] , [25] – [27] . In contrast to this, only limited information is available on the parasites of EC (e.g.…”

“…Studies from southern Europe also found those parasites in EE ( [40] Iberian Peninsula, Spain, n = 125, P. clausa : 6.4%, N. major : 0.8%; [50] Sicily, Italy, n = 39, N. major : 69.2%; [51] Sicily, Sardinia, Emilia-Romagna, Italy, n = 34–53, P. clausa : 0–3%, N. major : 0–69%). However, more recent studies did not find either of these species in EE from Central Europe and the UK [16] , [25] , [27] . Both parasite species are transmitted via the ingestion of infected insect intermediate hosts [52] .…”

Snacks in the city: the diet of hedgehogs in Auckland urban forest fragments

“…Jones & Norbury 2011), and our study suggests that hedgehogs have a diverse diet in urban forest fragments. As in other studies, hedgehogs are likely to prey switch seasonally, and in different habitats, throughout the year whereby they exploit one type of prey based on availability, before moving on to the next (Yalden 1976;Wroot 1984;Hendra 1999;Haigh 2011). Seasonal differences could not be assessed in this study as hedgehogs were only collected in spring and summer.…”

The passive surveillance of ticks using companion animal electronic health records

“…The activity of I. hexagonus is closely linked to the density and behaviour of its primary host, the European hedgehog ( Erinaceus europaeus ) [ 31 ]. I. hexagonus is more prevalent earlier in the year than I. ricinus [ 31 , 32 ], coinciding with the emergence of hedgehogs from hibernation [ 33 ], and possibly explaining the earlier peak of tick activity we identified in cats. The second autumnal peak could represent interaction between cats and hedgehogs at a time when hedgehogs are preparing for hibernation and juveniles are gaining independence, leading to greater hedgehog numbers being seen [ 33 ], all at a time when I. hexagonus is also at great abundance on the hedgehogs themselves [ 31 , 32 ].…”