Parasitic worm hits hedgehog population
A parasite known as the 'thorny-headed worm' is posing a danger to hedgehogs, according to the Wildlife Aid Foundation.
The charity, based in Leatherhead, have had two cases in which hedgehogs at its centre have died suddenly with no apparent symptoms. A post-mortem identified the presence of the worm, coinciding with reports of a high mortality rate in baby hedgehogs from other wildlife hospitals in the country.
The worm is considered more dangerous that an ordinary parasitic worm due to its barbed head, which means it can anchor itself to, and pierce, the intestinal wall, causing pain, infection and severe illness to the animal.
Hedgehogs pick up the parasite by eating infected insects, and WAF is in talks with scientists and veterinary experts about how to combat the potential threat posed to the animals and other wildlife.
Lucy Kells, a veterinary nurse with WAF, said: "It is an extremely nasty parasite and if it continues to spread it could have a devastating effect on wildlife.
"Signs to look for are any hedgehogs acting out of the ordinary, young hedgehogs squealing in pain, or simply if you spot young hedgehogs out in the daytime."
Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
