Contributor: Elisabetta Mancinelli, DVM, ECZM (Small Mammals) MRCVS

Article  Information sheet 

Basic Information Sheet: European Hedgehog

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is one of the most common species seen in wildlife rehabilitation in western Europe. Hedgehogs are potential carriers of zoonotic disease. Ringworm infection caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes is the most commonly contracted zoonosis of wildlife rehabilitators in the United Kingdom. Other important medical conditions include ectoparasites infestations, gastrointestinal disease caused by Salmonella enteritidits or coccidiosis as well as bronchopneumonia associated with bacterial and/or lungworm infection.

Use our European hedgehog Information Sheet to review taxonomy, conservation status, physical description, diet and housing needs, anatomy and physiology, preventive care as well as important medical conditions. Login to view information sheet references.

Elisabetta Mancinelli, DVM, DECZM (Small Mammals) MRCVS

Elisabetta Mancinelli, DVM CertZooMed Dipl. ECZM MRCVS graduated with honors from the University of Naples “Federico II”, Italy, in 2002. She completed an externship program at Angell Animal Memorial Hospital in Boston (USA) focusing on exotic animal medicine and surgery. In 2007 she moved to the UK where she initially worked in private practice and wildlife charities. In 2009, Elisabetta began the first European College of Zoological Medicine Residency in Small Mammal Medicine, which she completed at The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh. Since September 2010, she holds the RCVS Certificate in Zoological Medicine and in 2014; she obtained the ECZM Diploma, Specialty “Small Mammal”.