Scopulariopsis and Penicillium in African Pygmy Hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) at Dhonje Golden Farm, Bogor

Abstract

This research detected the presence of Scopulariopsis and Penicillium in African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris) bred at Golden Dhonje Farm, Bogor District. Twenty hedgehogs were sampled to detect the presence of Scopulariopsis and Penicillium. The signs found include alopecia, crusty, and dermatitis. The presence of the fungus was confirmed by taking samples from the skin and then culturing on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) supplemented with chloramphenicol and cycloheximide. Macroscopic and microscopic observations were carried out to identify the two fungal genera. The results showed that eight hedgehogs were infected with Scopulariopsis (40%), six were infected with Penicillium (30%), and four animals were infected with co-infection (20%). The total prevalence of hedgehogs affected by this fungus is 90%. Further research is needed to expand the sample area, identify other types of fungi, and improve the understanding of fungal diseases in African pygmy hedgehogs to ensure the safety of hedgehogs in Indonesia.