The effectiveness of Flubendazole in Capillaria spp. infections in female European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in a hedgehog rescue centre in the Netherlands

Abstract

The European hedgehog is host to many parasites. Common endoparasites are Capillaria spp. (Lung threadworm, Intestinal threadworm spp.). Eggs and worm larvae are present in the faeces of infected hedgehogs. Common applied anthelmintic drugs are Fenbendazole and Levamisole. The latter might cause abortions in female hedgehogs. For this reason, some hedgehog centres in the Netherlands prefer Flubenol (Flubendazole 5%) in female hedgehogs. The present study aimed to determine the effect of Flubenol in Capillaria spp. infections in female hedgehogs. The faeces of 10 infected female hedgehogs before and after treatment with Flubenol has been examined. In the faeces samples of 7 out of 8 hedgehogs after treatment, no Capillaria eggs were found. One worm egg was found in the faeces sample of one hedgehog. No worm larvae were found in the faeces samples of 6 out of 7 hedgehogs after Flubenol treatment. Eight worm larvae were found in the faeces sample of one hedgehog after treatment. The Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test indicated for both the Capillaria spp. eggs and the larvae a significant difference at p < 0.05 before and after the Flubenol treatment.