Serological investigations of the hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) in Styria. 2. Report.

Abstract

From 1975 to 1982 investigations of 64 hedgehogs for anthropozoonoses and infectious diseases were carried out in all regions of Styria, Austria. The serological investigations revealed positive results against rickettsiosis, (Q-fever and RMSF-groups antigen), (ornithosis, toxoplasmosis, listeriosis, against adenoviruses and herpesvirus). Other studies by NOSEK et al. (1967); TROGER et al. (1976); KAASERER et al. (1976) and STUNZNER et al. (1976) report on the hedgehog (Erinaceus europaeus) as indicator for the distribution of infectious diseases. The present study should help to clarify this indicator function in a FSME (tick-borne encephalitis) and Q-fever region, furthermore; hedgehog trails of up to 9 km could be traced with the help of identification markings. Tick species, Ixodes hexagonus and Ixodes ricinus were found in all forms on the hedgehog. Ixodes hexagonus populations were frequently found in hedgehog's nests; of the large number found 128 were female, 89 male and 296 nymphs.