Hedgehogs are thought to be the cause of 32 Salmonella illnesses in six provinces including one in Saskatchewan. The Public Health Agency of Canada says that’s 21 more cases than were originally reported. Individuals became sick between June and October. Four people ended up in hospital. There have been no deaths reported. The Agency says hedgehogs can carry the Salmonella bacteria even though they appear healthy and clean and show no signs of illness. Even having indirect contact, such as touching their environments can put you at risk.

People are advised to practice good hand hygiene, frequent handwashing, and safe handling of hedgehogs and their environments.
The United States Centres for Disease Control and Prevention is also investigating a similar outbreak.