Epidemiology of endoparasite infections in the European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) and association with rehabilitation outcome in wildlife centres in Northwest France

The European hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) is prevalent across Western Europe, with many individuals admitted to wildlife rehabilitation centres. Parasitic infections, particularly helminth parasites, may threaten rehabilitation success. This study investigated respiratory and gastrointestinal endoparasite prevalence, risk factors, and associations with survival in 300 hedgehogs admitted to four rehabilitation centres in northwestern France (May 2023-May 2024). Faecal samples were analysed using either the modified McMaster technique (Oise) or direct smear (Seine-Maritime, Loir-et-Cher, Essonne). Overall, 58.3 % of hedgehogs carried at least one endoparasite. The most common were Capillaria species group (43.6 %) and Crenosoma striatum (25.7 %), followed by Brachylaemus erinacei (11 %) and Cycloisospora species group (7.3 %). Co-infection was common; 35 % of infected individuals harboured both Capillaria spp. and C. striatum. Younger hedgehogs showed lower prevalence but higher parasite burdens, suggesting reduced resistance. Capillaria spp. prevalence peaked in winter across all age groups. Multivariable analysis identified age, weight, season, and admission reason as significant risk factors for parasitism. Importantly, detection of C. striatum significantly increased mortality risk during rehabilitation (OR = 3.44, p = 0.0002). These findings highlight the need for targeted parasite screening and treatment protocols for specific risk groups, for example for juveniles and individuals with clinical signs. Coprological analysis offers a practical, non-invasive tool for parasite detection in resource-limited rehabilitation settings. This is the first study to report endoparasite prevalence in live hedgehogs in France using coprological methods and to demonstrate a statistical association between C. striatum infection and mortality in rehabilitation.