Americans have been warned by the government not to kiss or snuggle their hedgehogs after an outbreak of salmonella was linked to the tiny mammals.

The outbreak has affected 11 people in eight states this week, 10 of whom had recently been in contact with a hedgehog, according to the Center for Disease Control.

Three people in Missouri contracted the infection, as well as two in Minnesota.

A single case has been reported in Wyoming, Colorado, Nevada, Texas, Mississippi and Maine, according the CDC.

The supplier of the hedgehogs that is causing the outbreak has not been identified, the agency said.

In response to the infections, the CDC gave tips on how to be safe around hedgehogs, including “don’t kiss, snuggle, or hold small pets close to your face.”