Wildlife

Wild Hedgehog Disease Lungworm Welfare

Lungworm (Crenosoma striatum) is a common parasitic welfare problem in wild hedgehogs requiring veterinary management in rehabilitation.

Key Facts

Lungworm causes respiratory symptoms, lethargy, and reduced foraging ability in affected hedgehogs
Infection occurs through eating slugs and other invertebrate intermediate hosts
Treatment with appropriate antiparasitic medications is effective in rehabilitation settings
Diagnosis requires faecal examination or identification of respiratory signs

Welfare Considerations

Hedgehogs with lungworm suffer respiratory distress, reduced foraging capacity, and progressive debilitation. Wildlife rehabilitators play an important role in treating affected individuals. Preventive treatment is standard in hedgehog rescue programmes.

What You Can Do

Take hedgehogs showing respiratory distress or daytime activity to a wildlife rehabilitator
Support hedgehog rescue organisations providing veterinary care
Join the British Hedgehog Preservation Society to support their work