Respiratory nematodes are common in rescued western European hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus ), but their epidemiology and treatment in rehabilitation settings remain poorly defined. We investigated respiratory nematode infections in 78 fecal samples of 30 hedgehogs admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation center in southern Portugal and in putative gastropod intermediate hosts. Outcomes after subcutaneous levamisole (10–20 mg/kg) and ivermectin (3 mg/kg) treatments, monitored by the Baermann technique, were compared. At the animal level, Crenosoma striatum was detected in 63.3% of hedgehogs, Capillaria spp. in 6.7%, and a mixed infection was observed in one hedgehog. The Baermann technique was the most sensitive method for detecting C. striatum . Samples from outdoor enclosures were more often positive for C. striatum than those from indoor enclosures (54.5% vs. 29.4%). All the examined gastropods (10/10) were positive for C. striatum larvae, supporting active transmission within the rehabilitation center. Outcomes were better with levamisole than with ivermectin, although persistence and relapses were frequent. Respiratory nematode infections were highly prevalent in rescued hedgehogs and may be sustained within rehabilitation facilities by infected gastropod intermediate hosts. The Baermann technique was the most useful diagnostic method, and the outcomes after levamisole administration were better than those after ivermectin administration under the conditions tested. However, neither treatment resulted in consistent clearance. These findings support the need for integrated parasite management and standardized treatment protocols in wildlife rehabilitation centers. • Crenosoma striatum was detected in 63.3% of rescued hedgehogs. • Baermann was the most sensitive method for detecting C. striatum. • Infected gastropods may sustain transmission within rehabilitation centers. • Levamisole outperformed ivermectin, but relapses remained frequent. • Outdoor housing was associated with higher C. striatum positivity.
Baptista et al. (Fri,) studied this question.