Sick and injured hedgehogs are vulnerable to fly strike (Myiasis). It is extremely important that you get help quickly.
Fly strike refers to when flies lay their eggs on a sick or injured animal. The eggs hatch into maggots which then eat away at the flesh of the still living creature.
Hedgehogs are at risk of fly strike if they are collapsed or have open wounds. Maggots or eggs are commonly found in their ears, mouth, round their anus and in wounds.
If you see maggots, eggs (clusters of what look like tiny grains of rice), or a wound or the hedgehog has an unpleasant smell about it, please act immediately as a hedgehog with fly strike will be suffering terribly.
