Mites not caused by bedding

[Schmuzzle's Mom]

I was just reading an article where a 2 different hog owners asked two different vets if mites were caused by bedding of any type especially the shavings. The vets said that mites were a constant thing always living and present on the hogs and that they get worse or show up and become a problem when hedgies immune system lowers and they cannot keep them at bay. They reported that mites that came in contact with bedding were from unclean storage or mites already in the store where you may buy bedding and that any thing purchased for your hog must be cleaned before introducing it.

What do you think? :confused: :banghead:

[Schmuzzle's Mom]

Ok seems I am becoming a posting Hog in my quest for info. :banghead: Sorry if I am offending anyone here (seriously). The vet I saw today said that yes mites can come from bedding but mostly from contact with other infected animals.

Thanks for being patient with an overzealous new mommy!

[Hedgiepets]

I have heard that mites are always present on hedgies. Due to stress and/or ilness that the hedgie could have a "mite bloom". The mites flourish.

[Nancy]

Yes they say mites are always present on hh's and stress or illness can bring them out, but mites also come from shavings and bedding materials. I have also heard of people using a bag of mite infested shavings on all their hogs yet only certain ones will get them. :)

[vortle]

this is a hotly contested subject, certainly not settled on either side, but i don't really think there is great evidence on either side. as far as i have been able to find, there have been no clear reports of mites found in bedding before it reached the hedgehog, and there has been no real evidence that subclinical levels of mite infestation are commonly present in hedgehogs.

so, pretty much, we don't know for sure