How do hedgehogs get salmonella

What exactly is a hedgehog? How can they spread Salmonella? And how can you protect yourself as a hedgehog owner? A Brief Look at Hedgehogs. Hedgehogs are not native to the United States.

Wild hedgehogs are native to parts of Europe, Asia, and Africa. They were introduced to New Zealand and are considered an invasive species there. Those available in the United States as an exotic pet are actually African pygmy hedgehogs, bred from the original wild African species. They are considered a domesticated species in most parts of the U. Looking like small porcupines at just inches in length, they are covered in sharp spines or quills.

Like porcupines, they will curl into a ball when threatened or nervous. Hedgehogs tend to be solitary animals and do not seem to crave the companionship of other hedgehogs. Like other exotic species, hedgehogs have been on the rise in the last few years in terms of popularity. These diminutive creatures are naturally nocturnal, sleeping a lot during the day and snuffling, snorting, squealing, grunting and running around their habitat during their nightly explorations.

Their level of activity does necessitate a generous sized cage complete with exercise wheel s and other toys to substitute for the miles of activity hedgehogs would normally cover in the wild while foraging for insects, grubs, snails, spiders, etc.

Hedgehogs were blamed in a previous Salmonella outbreak several years ago. In that instance, 26 people were affected from December to April — one person died, and eight required hospitalization. As with the current outbreak, most of those affected reported contact with hedgehogs.

In interviews, people answered questions about animal contact in the week before they got sick. They reported buying hedgehogs from various places, including pet stores, breeders, and online stores. A single, common supplier was not identified.

The outbreak strain making people sick was identified in samples collected from a hedgehog habitat in the home of an ill person in California and from hedgehogs in the homes of ill people in New York and North Dakota. This outbreak strain is the same as outbreak strains linked to hedgehogs in and in Hedgehogs can carry Salmonella germs that can make people sick even if they look healthy and clean.

Hedgehog owners should always follow steps to stay healthy around their pet hedgehog. CDC will continue to work with state public health partners to monitor for Salmonella infections linked to contact with pet hedgehogs. Sign up for RSS Feed. Skip directly to site content Skip directly to page options Skip directly to A-Z link. Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. Final Outbreak Information. At A Glance. Reported Cases: 49 States: 25 Hospitalizations: 11 Deaths: 0.

Advice to Pet Owners. Salmonella infection symptoms can mimic other illnesses, frequently leading to misdiagnosis. Symptoms of Salmonella infection can include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within 12 to 72 hours after exposure to the bacteria. Otherwise, healthy adults are usually sick for four to seven days. In some cases, however, diarrhea may be so severe that patients require hospitalization. Older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems, such as cancer patients, are more likely to develop a severe illness and serious, sometimes life-threatening conditions.

Some people get infected without getting sick or showing any symptoms. However, they may still spread the infections to others. To sign up for a free subscription to Food Safety News, click here. The CDC provides the following recommendations for protecting yourself and others, especially children, from contact with Salmonella bacteria that hedgehogs may carry: Wash your hands: Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with water and soap right after touching hedgehogs or anything in the area where they live and roam.

This includes after handling pet food and treats. Thorough hand-washing is especially important before preparing, serving or eating food, drinks or preparing baby bottles. Also, always wash hands right after handling or cleaning up after any pets.

If soap and water are not readily available, use hand sanitizer until you are able to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Keep hedgehogs and their supplies away from the kitchen.

If possible, go outside when cleaning hedgehog cages and supplies. Disinfect surfaces and objects that a hedgehog might come into contact with. Avoid bringing hedgehogs into houses where young children or seniors live. Get your class on the same page, add this to Google Classroom. Send us feedback Report a typo or inaccuracy. Longest animal ever?