Bacteria and viruses

Understanding infectious threats in both wild and captive populations

Infectious diseases caused by bacteria and viruses affect both wild and captive hedgehogs (Erinaceidae) and tenrecs (Tenrecidae), with consequences that can range from mild to life-threatening. These microorganisms may cause direct illness, act as silent carriers of zoonotic diseases, or contribute to secondary infections when the immune system is compromised.

Whether you’re a pet owner, rescuer, researcher, or wildlife enthusiast, it’s important to understand which pathogens are relevant, how they spread, and how they can be managed or prevented.

The microbial landscape: What are bacteria and viruses?

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that can thrive in many environments. Some are harmless or even beneficial, while others are pathogenic and can cause disease.

Viruses are much smaller and require a host cell to reproduce. They often target specific tissues and can spread rapidly under the right conditions.

Both can be species-specific or zoonotic, meaning they can jump from animals to humans or vice versa.

Common Bacterial Infections in Hedgehogs and Tenrecs

1. Salmonella spp.

A major zoonotic concern, particularly in African pygmy hedgehogs. Wild and captive animals can carry Salmonella asymptomatically and shed it in feces. Transmission occurs through contaminated surfaces, bedding, or direct contact.

2. Pasteurella multocida

Normally a harmless oral bacterium in many animals, it can cause abscesses, pneumonia, or systemic infection if introduced into wounds. It’s seen in both hedgehogs and tenrecs, especially in animals that have been injured or poorly housed.

3. Staphylococcus aureus / Streptococcus spp.

These bacteria are common in wound infections and bacterial dermatitis. In tenrecs, foot infections are not uncommon if kept on rough or unclean substrates. In hedgehogs, skin wounds from self-anointing or mites can become infected secondarily.

4. Mycobacterium spp.

Rare but concerning. Some hedgehogs (especially European species) in the wild have tested positive for tuberculosis-related bacteria. This is more relevant to wildlife rehabilitators or researchers, as it poses serious health risks.

5. Clostridium spp.

Can cause enterotoxemia or severe gastrointestinal disease in compromised animals, especially if the microbiome is disturbed due to antibiotics or poor diet.

Viral infections in hedgehogs and tenrecs

1. Herpesvirus

Detected in European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus), sometimes linked to encephalitis or systemic failure. It’s poorly understood in tenrecs. Some herpesviruses are latent and only trigger symptoms under stress.

2. Coronavirus (Erinaceus coronavirus)

A novel coronavirus has been isolated from wild European hedgehogs, mainly in the UK. While not the same as SARS-CoV-2, it suggests hedgehogs may carry their own species-specific coronaviruses. The role of this virus in disease is still under investigation.

3. Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus (FMDV)

Hedgehogs are known to be susceptible to FMDV, especially in experimental contexts. While they are unlikely to be major spreaders in natural outbreaks, this finding highlights the importance of biosecurity in wild animal care facilities.

4. Rabies (Lyssavirus)

While rare, wild hedgehogs in Europe have tested positive for rabies after contact with infected bats or carnivores. This risk is regionally dependent and mainly of concern in rabies-endemic areas. Tenrecs have not been documented with rabies.

5. Papillomavirus

A papilloma-like virus has been isolated in some hedgehogs with skin lesions. This is mostly of academic interest at this stage but could explain certain warty growths.

Infectious risks in captivity

Captive environments often reduce exposure to viruses but can amplify bacterial risks, especially when hygiene is poor or animals are overcrowded. Risks include:

• Poor enclosure sanitation leads to fecal-oral transmission of bacteria
• Contaminated water or feeders
• Unquarantined new arrivals
• Shared medical equipment or grooming tools
• Suboptimal temperatures, which stress the immune system
• Improper antibiotic use, disrupting gut flora and enabling resistant infections

Tenrecs in captivity may be more vulnerable to systemic bacterial infections due to less robust veterinary knowledge and their unique physiology.

Preventing infectious disease

A few core principles can reduce risk dramatically:

• Strict quarantine (at least 30 days) for any new animals
• Regular enclosure cleaning, with attention to food/water bowls and hidden waste
• Avoid overcrowding or mixing different species
• Proper diet and husbandry, supporting immune health
• Avoiding unnecessary antibiotics
• Zoonosis awareness: wear gloves during wound care or cleaning
• Annual checkups by an exotics vet familiar with small mammals

Wildlife rehabilitators should also follow biosecurity protocols when handling animals from different locations or species.

How to recognize infection

Most infections don’t begin with dramatic symptoms. Subtle signs may include:

• Reduced appetite or activity
• Discharge from nose, eyes, or cloaca
• Diarrhea or abnormal stools
• Weight loss
• Skin lesions or abscesses
• Neurological signs (tremors, imbalance, seizures)
• Death in otherwise “healthy” animals; especially in colonies

Never assume a hedgehog or tenrec that’s not visibly sick is also not infectious, many carry pathogens without showing symptoms.

When to contact a vet

Always consult an exotics-experienced veterinarian if:

• An animal shows rapid decline
• Multiple animals fall ill
• Neurological signs appear
• An open wound is swollen or oozing
• There is unexplained weight loss or refusal to eat

Bringing a fresh stool sample and, if possible, photos or logs of symptoms, can aid in diagnosis.

Final thoughts

Bacterial and viral infections are a natural part of the ecosystem, and both hedgehogs and tenrecs have evolved to handle many of them. But in captivity, or under stress, even a minor pathogen can tip the balance toward illness. By understanding the common threats and acting early, keepers and caretakers can protect both the animals and themselves.

Whether you’re a breeder, pet owner, wildlife worker, or veterinarian, knowledge is your best tool and a clean, enriched, low-stress environment is your best defense.