Parasites of European hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus ) in Britain: epidemiological study and coprological test evaluation

摘要: Seventy-four European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) that had died in wildlife rehabilitation centres were dissected and their parasite burdens documented. Overall prevalence was 91%, a total of six helminth species isolated: five nematodes (Crenosoma striatum, Eucoleus aerophilus, Capillaria erinacei, ovoreticulata spp.), one trematode (Brachylaemus erinacei) acanthocephalan (Oliganthorhynchus erinacei). The tick Ixodes hexagonus flea Archeopsylla erinacei also collected. effect infection on body condition assessed by correlation with the residuals weight–skeletal length regression. Tick presence positively related to condition; for other parasites, no significant relationship found. Faecal egg or larval count closely correlated adult burden C. striatum Capillaria/Eucoleus spp., but not species. Coprological analysis should therefore be useful vivo studies nematode hedgehogs. epidemiology parasites possible role recent population declines are discussed.