1
|
Fredriksson-Ahomaa M, Johansson V, Heljanko V, Nuotio E, Nihtilä H, Heikinheimo A, Kivistö R. Foodborne pathogenic bacteria in wild European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus). Acta Vet Scand 2024; 66:32. [PMID: 39010071 PMCID: PMC11251316 DOI: 10.1186/s13028-024-00747-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are widely distributed across Europe. They may play an important role by spreading zoonotic bacteria in the environment and to humans and animals. The aim of our work was to study the prevalence and characteristics of the most important foodborne bacterial pathogens in wild hedgehogs. RESULTS Faecal samples from 148 hospitalised wild hedgehogs originating from the Helsinki region in southern Finland were studied. Foodborne pathogens were detected in 60% of the hedgehogs by PCR. Listeria (26%) and STEC (26%) were the most common foodborne pathogens. Salmonella, Yersinia, and Campylobacter were detected in 18%, 16%, and 7% of hedgehogs, respectively. Salmonella and Yersinia were highly susceptible to the tested antimicrobials. Salmonella Enteritidis and Listeria monocytogenes 2a were the most common types found in hedgehogs. All S. Enteritidis belonged to one sequence type (ST11), forming four clusters of closely related isolates. L. monocytogenes was genetically more diverse than Salmonella, belonging to 11 STs. C. jejuni ST45 and ST677, Y. pseudotuberculosis O:1 of ST9 and ST42, and Y. enterocolitica O:9 of ST139 were also found. CONCLUSIONS Our study shows that wild European hedgehogs should be considered an important source of foodborne pathogens, and appropriate hygiene measures after any contact with hedgehogs and strict biosecurity around farms are therefore important.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Fredriksson-Ahomaa
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Venla Johansson
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Viivi Heljanko
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elina Nuotio
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Annamari Heikinheimo
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Microbiology Unit, Finnish Food Authority, Seinäjoki, 60100, Finland
| | - Rauni Kivistö
- Department of Food Hygiene and Environmental Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Prandi I, Dervas E, Colombino E, Bonaffini G, Zanet S, Orusa R, Robetto S, Vacchetta M, Mauthe von Degerfeld M, Quaranta G, Hetzel U, Capucchio MT. Causes of Admission, Mortality and Pathological Findings in European Hedgehogs: Reports from Two University Centers in Italy and Switzerland. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:1852. [PMID: 38997963 PMCID: PMC11240775 DOI: 10.3390/ani14131852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 06/10/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are nocturnal insectivores frequently found in urban areas. In the last decades, their population has declined in various European countries and human activities have emerged as significant contributors to this trend. While the literature has mainly focused on trauma as the major cause of mortality, few authors have considered pathological findings. The present study is based on the results of full post-mortem examinations performed on 162 European hedgehogs in Italy and 109 in Switzerland. Unlike in previous studies, the main cause of mortality was infectious diseases (60.5%), followed by traumatic insults (27.7%). The lungs were the main organ affected, showing mostly lymphoplasmacytic (45.9%), granulomatous (18.1%) or suppurative (8.2%) pneumonia. Nematodes were detected in 57.2% of all lungs and were significantly associated with pneumonia (p-value < 0.001). To our knowledge, this is the first study to report infectious diseases as the main cause of hedgehog death, emphasizing the need for wildlife rescue centers to adopt appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Further research is necessary to determine the broad range of infectious agents that affect this species and elucidate their interplay with the host. Finally, citizen sensitization should be implemented to promote responsible behaviors that could reduce human-related traumatic events.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Prandi
- Centro Animali Non Convenzionali, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (G.B.); (M.M.v.D.); (G.Q.); (M.T.C.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (E.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Eva Dervas
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (E.D.); (U.H.)
| | - Elena Colombino
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (E.C.); (S.Z.)
- Patología y Sanidad Animal, Departamento Producción Sanidad Animal, Salud Pública Veterinaria y Ciencia y Tecnología de los Alimentos, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad CEU Cardenal Herrera, CEU Universities, 46115 Alfara del Patriarca, Spain
| | - Giuseppe Bonaffini
- Centro Animali Non Convenzionali, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (G.B.); (M.M.v.D.); (G.Q.); (M.T.C.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (E.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Stefania Zanet
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (E.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Riccardo Orusa
- National Reference Centre for Wild Animals Diseases (CeRMAS), S.C. Valle d’Aosta, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), 11020 Quart, Italy; (R.O.); (S.R.)
| | - Serena Robetto
- National Reference Centre for Wild Animals Diseases (CeRMAS), S.C. Valle d’Aosta, Istituto Zooprofilattico Sperimentale del Piemonte, Liguria e Valle d’Aosta (IZSPLV), 11020 Quart, Italy; (R.O.); (S.R.)
| | | | - Mitzy Mauthe von Degerfeld
- Centro Animali Non Convenzionali, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (G.B.); (M.M.v.D.); (G.Q.); (M.T.C.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (E.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Giuseppe Quaranta
- Centro Animali Non Convenzionali, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (G.B.); (M.M.v.D.); (G.Q.); (M.T.C.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (E.C.); (S.Z.)
| | - Udo Hetzel
- Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland; (E.D.); (U.H.)
| | - Maria Teresa Capucchio
- Centro Animali Non Convenzionali, Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (G.B.); (M.M.v.D.); (G.Q.); (M.T.C.)
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy; (E.C.); (S.Z.)
- National Research Council of Italy-Institute of Sciences of Food Production (CNR-ISPA), 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Banwell N, Michel S, Senn N. Greenspaces and Health: Scoping Review of studies in Europe. Public Health Rev 2024; 45:1606863. [PMID: 38831866 PMCID: PMC11144923 DOI: 10.3389/phrs.2024.1606863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Access to greenspaces and contact with nature can promote physical activity and have positive effects on physical and mental health. This scoping literature review aims to examine current evidence linking greenspaces and (a) behaviour change, (b) health outcomes and (c) co-benefits. Methods This review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA scoping review guidelines. Searches were conducted through PubMed and EMBASE databases for studies published between 2000 and March 2023 with a focus on Europe. Results 122 scientific articles and grey literature reports were identified. Access to greenspaces is positively associated with physical and mental health, and reduced risk of all-cause mortality and some non-communicable diseases. Greenspace quality is associated with increased physical activity and reduced risk of obesity. Nature-based therapies or green prescription are effective in improving mental health outcomes and overall health. Importantly, numerous co-benefits of greenspaces are identified. Conclusion Increasing access to greenspaces for populations with particular attention to greenspace quality is important for co-benefits. Responsible governance and use of greenspaces are crucial to minimize public health risks and human disturbance of nature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Banwell
- Interdisciplinary Centre for Research in Ethics (CIRE), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Michel
- Department of Family Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Senn
- Department of Family Medicine, Center for Primary Care and Public Health (Unisanté), University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sarani S, Enferadi A, Hasani SJ, Sarani MY, Rahnama M, Sarani F. Identification of zoonotic pathogenic bacteria from blood and ticks obtained from hares and long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus megalofis) in eastern Iran. Comp Immunol Microbiol Infect Dis 2024; 104:102097. [PMID: 38029723 DOI: 10.1016/j.cimid.2023.102097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
The role of wildlife in the complex balance of tick-borne diseases within ecosystems is crucial, as they serve as hosts for tick carriers and reservoirs for the pathogens carried by these ticks. This study aimed to investigate the presence of zoonotic pathogenic bacteria in wildlife, specifically in hares and long-eared hedgehogs (Hemiechinus megalofis), in the eastern region of Iran. The focus was on the detection of Borrelia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Anaplasma spp., Francisella spp., and Leptospira spp., using the Nested-PCR method. We analyzed a total of 124 blood samples, and 196 ticks collected from hares and long-eared hedgehogs were analyzed. The Nested-PCR method was employed to identify the presence of zoonotic pathogenic bacteria DNA. Our study revealed the presence of these zoonotic pathogenic bacteria in both wildlife species, indicating their potential role as hosts and reservoirs for the ticks carrying these pathogens. The specific presence and prevalence of Borrelia spp., Coxiella burnetii, Anaplasma spp., Francisella spp., and Leptospira spp. were determined through the Nested-PCR method. This study contributes to the limited knowledge about the involvement of wild animals in the transmission of tick-borne diseases. By using the Nested-PCR method, we successfully identified the presence of zoonotic pathogenic bacteria in hares and long-eared hedgehogs. This study emphasizes the need for further research to better understand the ecological process of tick-borne diseases, particularly the role of wildlife in their spread. Such knowledge is crucial for wildlife conservation efforts and the management of tick-borne diseases, ultimately benefiting both animal and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeedeh Sarani
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zabol University, Iran
| | - Ahmad Enferadi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Iran.
| | - Sayyed Jafar Hasani
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia University, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Rahnama
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zabol University, Iran
| | - Faroogh Sarani
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zabol University, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Rasmussen SL, Schrøder BT, Berger A, Sollmann R, Macdonald DW, Pertoldi C, Alstrup AKO. Testing the Impact of Robotic Lawn Mowers on European Hedgehogs ( Erinaceus europaeus) and Designing a Safety Test. Animals (Basel) 2023; 14:122. [PMID: 38200853 PMCID: PMC10777904 DOI: 10.3390/ani14010122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous research has established that some models of robotic lawn mowers are potentially harmful to hedgehogs. As the market for robotic lawn mowers is expanding rapidly and the populations of European hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are in decline, it is important to investigate this risk further to understand the potential threat which some robotic lawn mowers may pose to hedgehogs. We tested 19 models of robotic lawn mowers in collision with hedgehog cadavers to measure their effect on hedgehogs. Our results showed that some models of robotic lawn mowers may injure hedgehogs, whereas others are not harmful to them. Apart from one single incidence, all robotic lawn mowers had to physically touch the hedgehog carcasses to detect them. Larger hedgehog cadavers were less likely to be "injured", with height being the most influential measure of size. The firmness of the tested hedgehog cadavers (frozen or thawed) did not influence the outcome of the collision tests. Neither the position of the hedgehog cadavers nor the selected technical features of the lawn mowers affected the probability of injury. Based on the results, we designed a standardised safety test to measure the effect of a specific model of robotic lawn mower on hedgehogs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Lund Rasmussen
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK;
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark;
- Linacre College, University of Oxford, St. Cross Road, Oxford OX1 3JA, UK
| | - Bettina Thuland Schrøder
- Behavioral Ecology Group, Section for Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 15, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark;
| | - Anne Berger
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Rahel Sollmann
- Department of Ecological Dynamics, Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research, Alfred-Kowalke-Straße 17, 10315 Berlin, Germany;
| | - David W. Macdonald
- Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, The Recanati-Kaplan Centre, Department of Biology, University of Oxford, Tubney House, Abingdon Road, Tubney, Abingdon OX13 5QL, UK;
| | - Cino Pertoldi
- Department of Chemistry and Bioscience, Aalborg University, Fredrik Bajers Vej 7H, 9220 Aalborg, Denmark;
- Aalborg Zoo, Mølleparkvej 63, 9000 Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Aage Kristian Olsen Alstrup
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark;
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Davoust B, Laidoudi Y. Wildlife, Reservoir of Zoonotic Agents: Moving beyond Denial and Fear. Pathogens 2023; 12:1081. [PMID: 37764889 PMCID: PMC10537277 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12091081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Human infections that originate in animals are quite frequent and warrant further investigation [...].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bernard Davoust
- Veterinary Research Center of the Mediterranean Infection University Hospital Institute, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| | - Younes Laidoudi
- Veterinary Research Center of the Mediterranean Infection University Hospital Institute, Aix-Marseille University, 13005 Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hematology, Biochemistry, and Protein Electrophoresis Reference Intervals of Western European Hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) from a Rehabilitation Center in Northern Portugal. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:ani13061009. [PMID: 36978550 PMCID: PMC10044010 DOI: 10.3390/ani13061009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The Western European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) can work as a bioindicator of environmental pollution and be a host for multiple zoonotic agents, making it relevant in terms of One Health studies. It is essential to deepen the knowledge on this species and calculate reference intervals (RIs) for the usual hematological and biochemical parameters. For this retrospective study (2017–2022), the archives of the Clinical Pathology Laboratory (LPC) of University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD) Veterinary Teaching Hospital were analyzed. Data of hematology, clinical biochemistry, and protein electrophoresis from 37 healthy hedgehogs of the Wild Animal Rehabilitation Center at UTAD, Northern Portugal, were included. It was possible to calculate RIs for almost all of the variables in the study, using Reference Value Advisor V2.1. Moreover, sex and age effects were investigated: alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.012, higher in males); total proteins (p = 0.034, higher in adults); mean cell volume (p = 0.007) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (p = 0.010) (both higher in juveniles); and red blood cell distribution width (p = 0.021, higher in adults). Our study allowed for the first time to define RIs for a population of hedgehogs in Portugal, having a potentially relevant impact on species conservation and in the human–animal health interface.
Collapse
|