Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in the Hedgehog
By: Susan Muller Esneault, DVM
Mail this Article to a Friend! | Printable Version
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is caused by an Aphthovirus that affects many species of animals, especially those that are cloven-footed. FMD is endemic in the Middle East, sub-Saharan Africa, India, and Southeast Asia.
Clinical and subclinical foot and mouth disease have been described in the hedgehog, which is native to Africa, Asia, and Europe. In clinical infections, vesicles (fluid-filled pockets within the skin) rupture to form ulcers (superficial skin erosions), erythema (redness) and swelling of the hairy parts of the body, feet, lips, and perineum may occur. The most prominent clinical signs seen in infected animals include anorexia (lack of appetite), sneezing, and excessive salivation due to mouth ulcers.
Transmission occurs by aerosolized virus passed between susceptible and infected individuals or by ingestion. Man and other animals not affected by the virus may serve as mechanical vectors in the transmission of the virus.
It has not been proven whether or not the hedgehog plays a role as a viral reservoir for foot and mouth disease infecting other animals.
References:
Fowler, Murray. Zoo and Wild Animal Medicine. W.B. Saunders Co. 3rd Ed. 1993. Pp. 297.
Kahn, Cynthia ed. The Merck Veterinary Manual. 9th Ed. p. 507-510.
Related Articles
- Foot and Mouth Disease - Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly infections viral disease of cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, buffalo, deer, antelope, elephant and giraffe. Read more...
- Gastrointestional Ulcers in Horses - Gastric ulcers may be an important source of gastrointestional problems in foals and adult horses under stress. Read more...
- Helicobacter Gastritis and Ulcers in the Ferret - Ferrets are often kept as laboratory animals for the study of Helicobacter mustelae, a bacterium implicated in the development of gastritis and ulcers. Read more...
- Hedgehog Husbandry: Adopting and Caring for Hedgehogs - Want a prickly pet that will keep your garden free of insects? Then the hedgehog may just be for you. Read more...
- Mouth Rot or Infectious Stomatitis in Reptiles - Inflammation of the tissues in the mouth is defined as infectious stomatitis, more commonly known as mouth rot. Read more...
- Vesicular Stomatitis in Horses, Cows, and Pigs - Vesicular stomatitis (VS) is a viral disease of horses, cattle and swine that produces characteristic lesions known as vesicles and erosions. Read more...
- Malignant Catarrhal Fever or Bovine Malignant Catarrh - Malignant Catarrhal Fever (MCF) or Bovine Malignant Catarrh are actually two diseases caused by separate herpes viruses that are almost always fatal to cattle, deer, bison, occasionally pigs, rabbits, and certain exotic ruminants. Read more...
- A Room of Your Cat's Own - Any cat owner will tell you that the idea that cats are solitary and distant is largely a myth. Read more...
- Oral Melanoma: Extended Survival Times - Oral melanoma—a tumor found in the mouth of your dog—tends to be aggressive. Read more...
- How to Trim Your Cat's Claws - Regular trimming of your cat’s claws will not only make your cat more comfortable, it will probably save you a few minor cuts and scrapes, too. Read more...