Ringworm, which is on the rise among hedgehogs, is a cause for concern

For the first time, the prevalence of dermatophytosis has been characterized in wild hedgehog populations in France. The result: 25% of these animals are infected with this fungal infection of the skin, which is transmissible to humans. Given the growing number of infected hedgehogs, researchers are concerned about the implications for animal and public health.   The prevalence of dermatophytosis, also known as ringworm, in wild hedgehog populations is on the rise in France, according to a new, one-of-a-kind study. Researchers at the Alfort Veterinary School sampled 412 hedgehogs over the course of a year at their wildlife hospital and found that 112 of them tested positive for ringworm, representing 27% of the animals. In addition to Trichophyton erinacei, which was present in 94.6% of infected hedgehogs, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and Nannizzia gypsea were also detected. Previous studies indicated a prevalence in France of around 13% for wild European hedgehogs and closer to 21% for captive animals. Although the arrival of hedgehogs at the Alfort rescue center may have contributed to their infection with dermatophytes and slightly inflated the statistics, these rising figures are cause for concern. Researchers fear an increased risk of cross-contamination. Indeed, this fungal infection can, among other things, spread to humans and dogs and cause severe skin disorders. In humans, the disease is sometimes highly inflammatory and even painful. Although hedgehogs are protected animals in France and Europe, the destruction of their habitat and the use of pesticides—which reduce their food sources—are drawing them into suburban areas. The growing number of hedgehogs admitted each year to wildlife rehabilitation centers reflects this increased proximity to human activity. More frequent contact with humans and pets such as dogs simultaneously increases the risk of infection and is a source of concern for both animal health and public health. According to the researchers, contact with hedgehogs should be limited as much as possible. Even animals that appear healthy pose a risk. Indeed, while most hedgehogs with ringworm exhibit skin symptoms, one-third of them remain asymptomatic, according to the new study. Further research is needed to determine whether asymptomatic carriage is due to simple mechanical transmission or to infection with isolates of lower virulence. In the meantime, however, the high prevalence of asymptomatic carriers detected in this study highlights the existence of a greater-than-expected risk of dissemination and zoonotic transmission. The now-demonstrated prevalence of ringworm in hedgehogs underscores the need for heightened vigilance nationwide. People who take in a hedgehog should therefore exercise particular caution, even in the absence of visible signs of disease. Veterinarians are also urged to strengthen protective and preventive measures (early detection and treatment of infected animals and asymptomatic carriers) to curb the transmission of dermatophytes to humans. To minimize risks, particularly within wildlife rescue centers, the study offers several recommendations, such as individual confinement whenever possible and daily disinfection of cages and equipment that come into contact with hedgehogs. These easy-to-implement measures should ensure the successful treatment of infected and asymptomatic animals.