# Outbreak of an infectious enteritis in western European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) in a rescue centre

## TL;DR

A deadly intestinal infection caused by Salmonella affected hedgehogs in a rescue center in Portugal, with over 35% mortality and highlighting zoonotic risks.

## Contribution

Identification of Salmonella as the cause of a severe outbreak in rescued hedgehogs and the effectiveness of trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment.

## Key findings

- Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica was isolated from multiple organs of four necropsied hedgehogs.
- Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole treatment improved clinical outcomes in surviving animals.
- The outbreak highlights zoonotic risks and the need for improved biosecurity in wildlife rescue centers.

## Abstract

The western-European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is a near-threatened mammal frequently admitted to wildlife rescue centres. In early 2025, an outbreak of haemorrhagic enteritis affected 28 hoglets and juvenile hedgehogs at the Ria Formosa Wildlife Recovery and Research Centre (RIAS) in Portugal, resulting in a mortality rate exceeding 35%. Clinical signs included appetite and weight loss, and diarrhoea (including bloody diarrhoea). Diagnostic testing (parasitology, virology, bacteriology and histopathology) was conducted and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, was isolated from internal organs (liver, spleen, intestine, and lung) of four necropsied individuals. Following antimicrobial susceptibility testing, treatment with trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole associated with critical care led to clinical improvement in surviving animals. This case underscores the challenges in diagnosing and managing infectious disease outbreaks in wildlife rescue centres and highlights the zoonotic risk of diseases that can affect hedgehogs, as salmonellosis. The findings emphasise the need for enhanced surveillance, rapid diagnostics, and effective biosecurity protocols in conservation centres to ensure animal welfare, good recovery rates and mitigate public health risks.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11259-026-11127-1.