Hedgehogs and Salmonella? Tell me it isn't so...
Jan 26, 2019 00:36:48 #
Our local newspaper carried this story about our beloved
namesake...
"A Salmonella outbreak impacting eight states has been linked to contact with pet hedgehogs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday. The outbreak has affected 11 people as of Wednesday, ten of whom reported contact with a hedgehog in the week before their illness, according to the CDC.
Three cases have been reported in Missouri and two cases have been reported in Minnesota. Colorado, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, Texas and Wyoming each have one case as of Jan. 23, the CDC says.
The CDC has previously warned that hedgehogs can carry Salmonella. One such warning came in 2013 after a hedgehog-related outbreak was linked with a death.
Because hedgehogs can carry Salmonella while appearing healthy, the CDC advises thorough hand washing after handling a one or cleaning its habitat.
"Don’t kiss or snuggle hedgehogs, because this can spread Salmonella germs to your face and mouth and make you sick," a CDC release says.
The Salmonella bacteria can trigger an illness involving diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, the CDC says.
While most Salmonella patients recover without treatment, the disease can lead to death in some cases, according to the CDC."
Credit goes to: Contributing: Cathy Payne and Yagana Shah
namesake...
"A Salmonella outbreak impacting eight states has been linked to contact with pet hedgehogs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Friday. The outbreak has affected 11 people as of Wednesday, ten of whom reported contact with a hedgehog in the week before their illness, according to the CDC.
Three cases have been reported in Missouri and two cases have been reported in Minnesota. Colorado, Maine, Mississippi, Nebraska, Texas and Wyoming each have one case as of Jan. 23, the CDC says.
The CDC has previously warned that hedgehogs can carry Salmonella. One such warning came in 2013 after a hedgehog-related outbreak was linked with a death.
Because hedgehogs can carry Salmonella while appearing healthy, the CDC advises thorough hand washing after handling a one or cleaning its habitat.
"Don’t kiss or snuggle hedgehogs, because this can spread Salmonella germs to your face and mouth and make you sick," a CDC release says.
The Salmonella bacteria can trigger an illness involving diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days, the CDC says.
While most Salmonella patients recover without treatment, the disease can lead to death in some cases, according to the CDC."
Credit goes to: Contributing: Cathy Payne and Yagana Shah
Jan 26, 2019 02:37:34 #
Rolk wrote:
Our local newspaper carried this story about our b... (show quote)
Great, carriers like "Typhoid Mary".
Jan 26, 2019 03:44:17 #
Not all hedgehogs are infected and it can be prevented by washing your hands after handling the pet. Turtles, frogs, snakes, chickens, ducks are also on the list of animals that can make you sick. If you want to be absolutely sure to avoid germs, build yourself a bubble.
Jan 26, 2019 16:03:17 #
I saw the news story and it reminded me of another recent story of some governmental agency recently legalizing hedgehogs as pets.
Jan 27, 2019 00:05:19 #
dragonswing wrote:
Not all hedgehogs are infected and it can be prevented by washing your hands after handling the pet. Turtles, frogs, snakes, chickens, ducks are also on the list of animals that can make you sick. If you want to be absolutely sure to avoid germs, build yourself a bubble.
Dragonswing, if you read the article, it does clearly say that it
can be prevented by washing your hands....
The ONLY reason I posted this is because the forum is the
UglyHedgehog...sorry if I tripped your trigger, as I don't think
your last sentence was called for.
Jan 27, 2019 09:37:54 #
Yes, I remember that report. If people would stop getting wild animals for pets, there wouldn't be a problem.
SteveR wrote:
I saw the news story and it reminded me of another recent story of some governmental agency recently legalizing hedgehogs as pets.
Jan 27, 2019 12:53:56 #
nadelewitz
Loc: Ithaca NY
Because of the name of this forum, I'll add that my Pug's favorite dog toy is a hedgehog. Petsmart has different sizes. I don't think hedgehogs are ugly at all. Maybe Admin can tell us why the name was chosen.
Jan 27, 2019 15:01:08 #
Rolk wrote:
Our local newspaper carried this story about our b... (show quote)
I have 120 lbs. tortoise and it comes with a salmonella warning but I have never been sick from it.
Jan 27, 2019 20:40:38 #
Another good reason to leave wild animals in the wild.
Exceptions would be if the animal suffered from an injury that would hinder it from surviving in the wild.
If you must have a pet, get one from an animal shelter.
Exceptions would be if the animal suffered from an injury that would hinder it from surviving in the wild.
If you must have a pet, get one from an animal shelter.
Jan 27, 2019 23:04:10 #
cameranut wrote:
Another good reason to leave wild animals in the wild.
Exceptions would be if the animal suffered from an injury that would hinder it from surviving in the wild.
If you must have a pet, get one from an animal shelter.
Exceptions would be if the animal suffered from an injury that would hinder it from surviving in the wild.
If you must have a pet, get one from an animal shelter.
Jan 28, 2019 04:50:42 #
mas24
Loc: Southern CA
Thanks for this info. I will never have a hedgehog for a pet. Only dogs, cats, and parakeets are of my interest..I got salmonella poisoning from eating contaminated food I purchased from a local market two years ago. You never want to have it.
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