‘Ongoing investigation’: Pet hedgehogs linked to salmonella cases in Ontario

Public Health authorities have linked pet hedgehogs to dozens of salmonella cases across Canada, including four in Ontario.

There are 32 cases in Canada, up from 11 early last month in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Quebec.

In its ongoing investigation, The Public Health Agency of Canada has found that individuals who became ill with salmonella reported having had direct contact with a hedgehog prior to the illness. The pets were reportedly purchased from a variety of places, including pet stores, breeders and online, and investigators are looking to determine whether there is a common source.

The agency recommends Canadians practise good hand hygiene when handling hedgehogs during this period of time and reminds citizens that hedgehogs can be carrying salmonella even if they appear to be healthy.

Other tips include the following:

• Do not consume food or drink, or touch your mouth, while handling a hedgehog.

• Do not kiss or snuggle with a hedgehog.

• Always wash your hands thoroughly after touching a hedgehog or any items or food that they come into contact with.

• Do not keep hedgehogs around children younger than five and always supervise children who are playing with a hedgehog.

• Make sure to clean surfaces the hedgehog touches with soap and water, and wash any clothing with the warmest water possible.

• Do not bathe hedgehogs in kitchen sinks or bathrooms.

• Keep hedgehogs and their items in a separate environment.

• Note that stressful environments can cause hedgehogs to shed salmonella.

Salmonella symptoms in humans include fever, chills, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, headaches, nausea and vomiting, and last about four to seven days.

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