Hedgehog Loses All Spines to Fungal Infection in Oudsbergen

A hedgehog suffering from a severe fungal infection that caused it to lose nearly all of its protective spines has been rescued by the Natuurhulpcentrum (Nature Help Center) in Oudsbergen, Limburg province, Belgium. Staff at the center, Belgium’s largest wildlife rehabilitation facility, describe the case as unprecedented in their experience.

According to VRT NWS, the hedgehog was found in Houthalen and brought to the center over the weekend of July 18-19. The animal was suffering from a severe form of ringworm (zoophilic dermatophytosis), a fungal infection that feeds on keratin — the protein found in hair, nails, and hedgehog spines.

An Unprecedented Case

“This is actually a unique guest for us. We had never seen this before,” said Frederik Thoelen, spokesperson for the Natuurhulpcentrum Oudsbergen, as reported by VRT NWS. “We do receive hedgehogs with fungal infections more often, but never this severe. It’s quite a strange sight, a hedgehog without spines.”

The center, which takes in approximately 2,000 hedgehogs annually, is accustomed to treating a wide range of wildlife ailments. But the complete loss of spines left even experienced staff astonished. HLN reported that the fungal infection had severely damaged the hedgehog’s skin, leaving it vulnerable and without its primary defense mechanism against predators.

Intensive Care and Treatment

The hedgehog is now receiving round-the-clock care in the center’s Intensive Care unit. Thoelen explained that the treatment regimen includes twice-daily medicated baths to restore skin health, antifungal medication to control the infection, and specialized nutrition to support recovery.

“He is currently in a fairly small enclosure in our Intensive Care department,” Thoelen told VRT NWS. “In addition to his normal food, he receives medication to control the infection. Twice a day he is also placed in a bath to get his skin healthy again.”

TVL, the regional Limburg television station, quoted the Natuurhulpcentrum as saying on Facebook: “With the right medication, intensive care, sufficient nutrition and especially a lot of time, his skin can recover and his spines can start growing again.”

Encouraging Signs

Despite the severity of the case, the prognosis is positive. Thoelen noted that the first spines are already beginning to regrow. He compared hedgehog spines to human hair: “It’s a bit like our hair, except they are stiff, thick hairs. When they fall out, they grow back. A healthy hedgehog loses quite a few spines every day.”

The center expressed cautious optimism, stating that with continued treatment, the hedgehog should make a full recovery and eventually be returned to the wild with a new coat of spines.

Broader Context: Hedgehogs Under Threat

The story highlights the broader challenges facing hedgehogs in Belgium and across Europe. Hedgehogs (Erinaceus europaeus) are classified as a threatened species in Belgium, with populations declining by an estimated 30-50% in some regions over the past two decades.

According to a previous VRT NWS report, the species faces multiple threats including habitat loss, traffic accidents, pesticide use, and climate change. The ongoing heatwave in Belgium has exacerbated the situation, with the Natuurhulpcentrum receiving over 200 animals per day during peak heat periods in late June.

A Story That Resonated

The unusual case has captured public attention across Belgium. HLN reported that the article became one of the most-read and most-shared stories on its platform, with readers expressing sympathy and support for the animal’s recovery. The story was covered by multiple major Belgian news outlets, reflecting the public’s deep affection for hedgehogs and concern for wildlife welfare.

What’s Next

The hedgehog will remain at the Natuurhulpcentrum for the coming weeks as it continues its treatment. Staff will monitor the regrowth of its spines and assess its readiness for release back into the wild. “For now, this special patient remains safe with us, where we are trying step by step to prepare him for a future with a new coat of spines,” Thoelen told HLN.

The center has advised the public not to touch hedgehogs with bare hands if they show signs of skin disease, such as bald patches, crusts, or thickened skin, as the fungal infection can be transmitted to humans.