Evidence cluster — African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) toxicology (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC)

Evidence: African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) toxicology

Source: Europe PMC (Europe PubMed Central) REST search — first-hand peer-reviewed abstract records, pulled 2026-08-01. Queries covered toxicology, poisoning, intoxication, heavy metals, mycotoxins and (for relevant taxa) envenomation for Atelerix albiventris. The cluster returns 12 representative studies with abstracts below. Abstract text is verbatim from source; each study is traceable by PMID.

Studies

PMID 40093406 (2025, PeerJ) — A systematic review of fluralaner as a treatment for ectoparasitic infections in mammalian species.. Abstract (opening): Fluralaner (Bravecto™) is a novel isoxazoline ectoparasiticide used for controlling ectoparasites of domestic mammals and is increasingly being used on wildlife. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy, pharmacokinetics, and safety of fluralaner on mammals given its increasing use. The search was performed in GoogleScholar and the SciFinder databases using the terms 'fluralaner' and 'Bravecto™', and was concluded on 30th August, 2024. A total of 250 references were initially saved and reduced to 121 peer-reviewed journal articles using PRISMA guidelines, based on the removal of duplicates, those published in low quality journals (ranked less than Q2), and limiting publications to clinical trials. Articles were then categorised and ranked using the level of evidence, Cochrane 'risk of bias' assessment tool, methodological quality, and study size. Overall, the efficacy of fluralaner has been assessed on 14 mammalian species, and pharmacokinetic investigations conducted on 15. Fluralaner was mostly effective at treating some ectoparasites on captive individuals when there was little chance of re-infection; however, it did not prevent bites from blood-sucking ectoparasites and could not prevent blood-borne pathogen transfer to host animals. Very few studies have investigated the pharmacokinetics of fluralaner, and hence were difficult to compare; however, wombats differed greatly from their eutherian counterparts in their Cmax and t½ values and require further investigation. Overall, fluralaner was deemed moderately safe; however, most studies were classified as fair in terms of quality and most studies were based on small or very small sample numbers. Nineteen studies reported side effects, one of which included signs of severe neurological toxicity, with most of the articles not reporting on safety either positively or negatively. Concerns were raised regarding the extended time fluralaner was detected in faeces and subsequently environmental contamination is a concern. No longer-term impacts of the use of fluralaner have been investigated, and wider implications of the use of this ectoparasiticide have not yet been assessed.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40093406/

PMID 40513437 (2025, The Science of the total environment) — Widespread anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in hedgehogs and their prey in Belgium: prevalence, distribution and hedgehogs' health implications.. Abstract (opening): The impact of commonly used anticoagulant rodenticides (ARs) on non-target wild animals is poorly understood. This study contributes to a better understanding of European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) exposure to ARs, associated sublethal health effects, and the role of slugs (Deroceras and Lehmannia, important prey items) in AR transmission. Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to determine exposure levels to first- and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (FGARs and SGARs) in 128 free-ranging European hedgehogs and 120 slugs. Short-term health effects of AR exposure were examined by administering an oral subclinical brodifacoum dose (0.019 mg/kg) to domestic African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) once a week for six consecutive weeks. All livers of wild hedgehogs tested positive for at least one AR compound, with a maximum concentration for brodifacoum reaching 6743 ng/g wet weight (ww). AR prevalence was significantly higher in slugs from residential areas (30 %), compared to agricultural (7 %; p = 0.0353), forest (3 %; p = 0.0211) and park (3 %, p = 0.0211) areas. This coincides with significantly higher AR concentrations in hedgehogs from areas with higher human population densities (p = 0.047). No direct positive correlation was found between AR levels and the occurrence of hedgehog diphtheric disease (HDD), an often fatal ulcerative bacterial infection in hedgehogs, likely driven by multiple factors. Histopathological examination revealed hemorrhages in the renal medulla in two out of nine laboratory-exposed hedgehogs, suggesting sublethal effects after short-term AR exposure. The omnipresence of subclinical AR concentrations in wild hedgehogs and notably higher AR prevalence in slugs in densely populated areas, urge to explore long-term and ecosystem effects of widespread AR use.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40513437/

PMID 40122832 (2025, Journal of ethnobiology and ethnomedicine) — Animals traded for traditional medicine in Ghana: their zootherapeutic uses and implications for biodiversity conservation.. Abstract (opening): The use of animals for zootherapeutic purposes has been reported worldwide, and with the patronage of complementary and alternative medicines being on the ascendency, the trade and use of animal parts will only escalate. Many more of these animals used in traditional medicine will be pushed to extinction if policies for their sustainable use and conservation are not formulated. There have been studies across the world which assessed the trade and use of animals in traditional medicine including Ghana. However, all previous Ghanaian studies were conducted in a few specific cities. It therefore makes it imperative for a nationwide study which would provide more comprehensive information on the trade and use of animals in traditional medicine and its conservation implications. Using direct observation and semi-structured questionnaires, data were collected from 133 vendors of animal parts used in traditional medicines in 48 markets located across all 16 administrative regions of Ghana. Analysis of the data showed that the trade in wild animal parts for traditional medicine was more prevalent in the urban centres of Ghana. Overall, 75 identifiable animal species were traded on Ghanaian traditional medicine markets. Using their relative frequency of citation values, chameleons (Chamaeleo spp.; 0.81), lions (Panthera leo; 0.81) and the West African crocodile (Crocodylus suchus; 0.67) were the most commonly traded animals in Ghana. Majority of the vendors (59.1%) indicated that their clients use the animal parts for medicinal purposes mainly for skin diseases, epilepsy and fractures, while clients of 28.2% of the vendors use the animal parts for spiritual or mystical purposes, such as protection against spiritual attacks, spiritual healing and money rituals. Up to 54.2% of the animals were classified as Least Concern by IUCN, 14.7% were threatened, with 51.2% of CITES-listed ones experiencing a decreasing population trend. This study also found that 68.5% of the traded animal species are not listed on CITES, but among those listed, 69.6% are classified under Appendix II. Considering the level of representation of animals of conservation concerns, the harvesting and trade of animal parts for traditional medicine must be regulated. This call is even more urgent since 40.0% of the top ten traded animals are mammals; a class of animals with long gestation periods and are not prolific breeders.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40122832/

PMID 40284808 (2025, Veterinary sciences) — Mycological Survey and Antifungal Susceptibility Evaluation of Candida albicans Isolates in European Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus).. Abstract (opening): European hedgehogs are an important reservoir for many pathogens of health interest. Since hedgehogs live in close contact with humans, potential zoonotic fungi raise significant public health concerns, especially in areas with a high hedgehog density. From 2020 to 2023, 134 hedgehogs were surveyed for potential zoonotic fungi. Non-invasive methods were used, such as brushing live animals with a sterile toothbrush and taking oral and rectal swabs from deceased ones (86 animals). Dermatophytes were cultured on Dermasel agar and identified using molecular tools, while yeasts were isolated on Sabouraud agar with chloramphenicol and determined using Candida Chromogenic agar (MicroBiolDiagnostici®, Cagliari, Italy) and MALDI-TOF (Microflex LT Smart Biotyper with FlexControlBiotyper 3.4 software, Bruker Daltonics, Bremen, Germany). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined for Candida albicans isolates. Dermatophytes were found in just one hedgehog (0.8%, 95% C.I.: 0-0.04), identified as Paraphyton mirabile. Yeasts were detected in 22 of 86 hedgehogs (25.6%, 95% C.I.: 16.4-34.8), with 25 isolates obtained, including 21 Candida albicans, 2 Yarrowia lipolytica, 1 Rhodotorula mucilaginosa, and 1 Meyerozyma guilliermondii. All C. albicans isolates showed a high susceptibility to the antimycotic panel tested. Monitoring zoonotic fungi harbored by European hedgehogs, as well as raising public awareness on the topic, is of great importance for public health.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40284808/

PMID 39239737 (2024, Veterinary medicine and science) — Effective treatment with afoxolaner (NexGard) of Trixacarus caviae in a pet guinea pig.. Abstract (opening): Trixacarus caviae is a sarcoptic mange mite infesting guinea pigs. Infestation in immunosuppressed animals produces severe dermatological problems, including alopecia, intense pruritus, hyperkeratosis and non-dermatological issues (e.g., seizures). Treatment options are limited and include topical application of macrocyclic lactones or amitraz or injectable administration of ivermectin or doramectin. Considering the severity of the disease and the challenging treatment, the present paper aimed to determine the efficacy of oral afoxolaner in a severe case of infestation with T. caviae in a pet guinea pig. One female guinea pig was referred to the New Companion Animal Clinic due to severe dermatological problems. A clinical evaluation was done, and skin scrapings were collected and examined under the microscope. Small mites were detected and morphologically identified as T. caviae. The animal was treated with a single oral dose of 2.50 mg/kg afoxolaner, and the lesions, presence/absence of mites and intensity of pruritus were evaluated periodically until 2 months post-treatment. A week after the medication, the lesions were milder, but pruritus was still present and was attributed to the healing process. Further examinations showed significant improvement with the complete remission of clinical signs and no mites at the microscopic examination after 4 weeks. Afoxolaner was safe and effective in this guinea pig for the treatment of T. caviae mange with no repetition needed.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39239737/

PMID 39020251 (2024, Medical mycology) — First report of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Erinaceus europaeus and Hemiechinus auritus hedgehogs from recovery centers of Portugal.. Abstract (opening): Enterocytozoon bieneusi microsporidia are emerging pathogens infecting a wide range of vertebrate and invertebrate hosts, known to have zoonotic features since they infect both wild and domestic animals, and humans. Despite their significance, there is very limited epidemiological data on microsporidia in hedgehogs, especially European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) and long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus auritus), the former known as synantropic hedgehogs, and the latter suited as pets. As such, the present study aimed to assess the presence of E. bieneusi in hedgehogs from Portugal. For this purpose, fecal samples from 110 hedgehogs of three species-E. europaeus (n = 106), H. auritus (n = 1), and Atelerix albiventris (n = 3)-were collected and tested for E. bieneusi by PCR targeting the internal transcribed spacer region and the flanking small and large subunits of the rRNA. We found an overall occurrence of 22.7% (25/110; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.28-31.70), with 22.6% (24/106; 95% [CI]: 15.08-31.79) in E. europaeus, 100% (1/1) in H. auritus, and 0% in A. albiventris. Interestingly, three novel genotypes were identified, all belonging to the potentially zoonotic Group 1. Our findings highlight the importance of hedgehogs as potential reservoirs for E. bieneusi and emphasize the need for further research to understand their role in transmission dynamics and assess the associated risks to public and veterinary health.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39020251/

PMID 38275786 (2024, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI) — A Thorny Tale of Parasites: Screening for Enteric Protozoan Parasites in Hedgehogs from Portugal.. Abstract (opening): Enteric protozoan parasites, such as Blastocystis sp., Balantioides coli, Cryptosporidium spp., and Giardia duodenalis, may have implications for both animal and human health.Transmitted through the fecal-oral route, these parasites cause symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, and weight loss. This study investigated the presence of these enteric protozoan parasites and genetically characterized them in hedgehogs from Portugal. A total of 110 hedgehog stool samples were collected. Molecular detection methods showed an overall occurrence of protozoa in 1.82% (2/110 95% CI: 0.22-6.41) of hedgehogs, with Blastocystis being found in one hedgehog and Cryptosporidium being found in another. No evidence for the presence of B. coli or G. duodenalis was found. This study suggests that there is a need to stay aware of hedgehogs as potential hosts of enteric protozoa. Ongoing research and surveillance efforts are recommended to explore practical prevention and control strategies. The results contribute to the limited knowledge of these parasites in Portuguese hedgehog populations and underscore their potential relevance to both veterinary and public health.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38275786/

PMID 37889680 (2023, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI) — High Prevalence of Microsporidia in the North African Hedgehog (Atelerix algirus) in the Canary Islands, Spain.. Abstract (opening): Microsporidia are unicellular eukaryotic obligate intracellular parasites with a wide range of hosts reported worldwide; however, little is known about the epidemiological data on microsporidia infection in animals from the Canary Islands. Since data on microsporidia infection in hedgehog species are scarce, the aim of this study was to analyze the presence and identity of microsporidia in a group of North African hedgehogs (Atelerix algirus) using microscopic and molecular methods. From December 2020 to September 2021, a total of 36 fecal samples were collected from naturally deceased hedgehogs from Tenerife and Gran Canaria. All samples showed spore-compatible structures (100%; 36/36) under microscopic analysis, of which 61.1% (22/36) were amplified via the nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting the partial sequence of the 16S rRNA gene, the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, and the partial sequence of the 5.8S rRNA gene. After Sanger sequencing and ITS analysis, Enterocytozoon bieneusi was detected in 47.2% (17/36) of the samples, identifying two novel genotypes (AAE1 and AAE2), followed by the detection of an undetermined species in 8.3% (3/36) and Encephalitozoon cuniculi genotype I in 5.6% (2/36) of the samples. This study constitutes the first report of microsporidia species in Atelerix algirus worldwide, highlighting the high prevalence of zoonotic species.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37889680/

PMID 36670754 (2023, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI) — Mobile Zoos and Other Itinerant Animal Handling Events: Current Status and Recommendations for Future Policies.. Abstract (opening): Mobile zoos are events in which non-domesticated (exotic) and domesticated species are transported to venues such as schools, hospitals, parties, and community centres, for the purposes of education, entertainment, or social and therapeutic assistance. We conducted literature searches and surveyed related government agencies regarding existing provisions within laws and policies, number of mobile zoos, and formal guidance issued concerning operation of such events in 74 countries or regions. We also examined governmental and non-governmental guidance standards for mobile zoos, as well as websites for mobile zoo operations, assessed promotional or educational materials for scientific accuracy, and recorded the diversity of species in use. We used the EMODE (Easy, Moderate, Difficult, or Extreme) algorithm, to evaluate identified species associated with mobile zoos for their suitability for keeping. We recorded 14 areas of concern regarding animal biology and public health and safety, and 8 areas of false and misleading content in promotional or educational materials. We identified at least 341 species used for mobile zoos. Mobile zoos are largely unregulated, unmonitored, and uncontrolled, and appear to be increasing. Issues regarding poor animal welfare, public health and safety, and education raise several serious concerns. Using the precautionary principle when empirical evidence was not available, we advise that exotic species should not be used for mobile zoos and similar itinerant events.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36670754/

PMID 37363249 (2023, One health (Amsterdam, Netherlands)) — High zoonotic potential and heavy environmental burden of Cryptosporidium spp. and Enterocytozoon bieneusi in farmed and pet African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris).. Abstract (opening): African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) are widely farmed in southern China and Japan for medicinal materials and as pets. However, little is known about the prevalence, zoonotic potential, and environmental burden of Cryptosporidium spp., Enterocytozoon bieneusi and Giardia duodenalis in these animals. In this study, 380 fecal samples were collected from farmed and pet African pygmy hedgehogs in Guangdong of China, and analyzed for these pathogens by PCR and DNA sequencing. Overall, the detection rates of Cryptosporidium spp., E. bieneusi and G. duodenalis were 35.5%, 70.0% and 0, respectively. By living condition, the highest detection rates of Cryptosporidium spp. (61.5%) and E. bieneusi (100.0%) were both obtained from animals kept in the cave, which could be due to the overcrowding and poor hygiene conditions. Two Cryptosporidium species were identified, including C. erinacei (n = 22) and Cryptosporidium horse genotype (n = 113). The C. erinacei isolates belonged to a new subtype family (XIIIb), which has been identified in a patient with cryptosporidiosis recently. The horse genotype isolates are of a known subtype VIbA13, which was previously identified in a pet store employee in care of hedgehogs with diarrhea. Eleven genotypes of the zoonotic Group 1 were identified in E. bieneusi, with the known genotype SCR05 previously detected in pet rabbits being dominant (235/266, 88.3%). In longitudinal monitoring of Cryptosporidium infection in 11 naturally infected African pygmy hedgehogs, the oocyst shedding intensity decreased gradually from the mean oocysts per gram of feces of ∼6 logs to ∼2 logs over 42 days. The high intensity and long duration of oocyst shedding could lead to heavy environmental contamination and increase the potential for zoonotic transmission of the pathogens. Results of the study suggest that zoonotic Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi are common in farmed and pet African pygmy hedgehogs. Hygiene and One Health measures should be implemented by pet owners and farmers to prevent zoonotic transmission and environmental contamination of Cryptosporidium spp. and E. bieneusi.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37363249/

PMID 35689258 (2022, BMC veterinary research) — Antibacterial treatment for exotic species, backyard ruminants and small flocks: a narrative review highlighting barriers to effective and appropriate antimicrobial treatment.. Abstract (opening): Antimicrobial resistance is a complex One Health issue that exists in both human and veterinary medicine. To mitigate this ever-growing problem, efforts have been made to develop guidelines for appropriate antimicrobial use (AMU) across sectors. In veterinary medicine, there are notable literature gaps for proper AMU in minor species. We conducted a structured narrative review covering the years of July 2006 - July 2021 to find antimicrobial treatments for common bacterial infections in exotic (birds, rodents, reptiles, and others), small flock (chickens, turkeys, and other fowl), and backyard small ruminant (sheep and goats) species. We retrieved a total of 4728 articles, of which 21 articles met the criteria for our review. Studies were grouped according to species, syndrome, and body system affected. Other data extracted included the bacterial pathogen(s), treatment (active ingredient), and geographical origin. Body systems reported included: intra-oral (n = 4), gastrointestinal (n = 1), respiratory (n = 2), reproductive (n = 1), skin (n = 3), aural (n = 1), ocular (n = 4), and other/multisystem (n = 5). By species, our search resulted in: rabbit (n = 5), rat (n = 2), guinea pig (n = 1), chinchilla (n = 1), guinea pig and chinchilla (n = 1), avian species (n = 1), psittacine birds (n = 2), loris and lorikeets (n = 1), turtles (n = 2), lizards (n = 1), goats (n = 2) and sheep (n = 2). The results of our findings identified a distinct gap in consistent antimicrobial treatment information for commonly encountered bacterial conditions within these species. There is a persisting need for clinical trials that focus on antibacterial treatment to strengthen the evidence base for AMU within exotic, small flock, and backyard small ruminant species.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35689258/

PMID 35892524 (2022, Animals : an open access journal from MDPI) — Important Mycoses of Wildlife: Emphasis on Etiology, Epidemiology, Diagnosis, and Pathology-A Review: PART 1.. Abstract (opening): In the past few years, there has been a spurred tripling in the figures of fungal diseases leading to one of the most alarming rates of extinction ever reported in wild species. Some of these fungal diseases are capable of virulent infections and are now considered emerging diseases due to the extremely high number of cases diagnosed with fungal infections in the last few decades. Most of these mycotic diseases in wildlife are zoonotic, and with the emergence and re-emergence of viral and bacterial zoonotic diseases originating from wildlife, which are causing devastating effects on the human population, it is important to pay attention to these wildlife-borne mycotic diseases with zoonotic capabilities. Several diagnostic techniques such as fungal isolation, gross pathology, histopathology, histochemistry, cytology, immunohistochemistry, radiography, CT, and molecular methods such as PCR or ELISA have been invaluable in the diagnosis of wildlife mycoses. The most important data used in the diagnosis of these wildlife mycoses with a zoonotic potential have been re-emphasized. This will have implications for forestalling future epidemics of these potential zoonotic mycotic diseases originating from wildlife. In conclusion, this review will highlight the etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, pathogenesis, pathogenicity, pathology, and hematological/serum biochemical findings of five important mycoses found in wild animals.

Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35892524/

Source text: pdf-raw/evidence/europepmc_hedgehog_toxicology_2026-08-01.txt (Europe PMC first-hand abstracts, pulled 2026-08-01).

Evidence cluster — African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) toxicology (peer-reviewed, Europe PMC)

Evidence: African pygmy hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris) toxicology

Studies

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