Wildlife (Raccons)

Raccoons, with their bandit black mask and brown and black stripped tail, are a common and beloved animal. Their ability to adapt and thrive in urban sprawl makes it possible for city-dwellers to still encounter wildlife in their artificial world. Raccons constitute one of the most common nuisance animals in the U.S. This should come as no surprise, as teh raccoon's versatile diet and incredible strength, coupled with its climbing ability, allow them plenty of ways to damage property and to threaten human interests.

Raccoons bring great risks to the public, though. Most people are familiar with the connection with raccoons and rabies. But most are unaware that raccoons have been implicated as reservoirs for leptospirosis, Chagas disease, and various worms, of which the most notorious is Baylisascaris Procyonis. This is the scientific name for  a parasitic worm.

Surveys of raccoon infection rates have achieved rates as high as 81.1 percent, with juvenile raccoons having the highest rates of infection.

If you handle raccoons it's extremely likely you've come into contact with the eggs of this worm. Wildlife Management professionals need to e cautious because this worm has killed or severely disabled 14 people in the last 30 years. Those infected tended to be children who have come in contact with the animals or their feces or who have eaten dirt.

Pets can also become infected with raccoon roundworm. If humans are infected treatments are limited, assuming the doctor is informed that raccoon roundworm might be a possibility.
Animals, including humans, infected with larva will exhibit signs of nervousness, lack of coordination, head tilt, circling and ultimately death.

Since the roundworm eggs are shed via the raccoons' feces, it follows that you should avoid coming in contact with their feces or the raccoon itself. Always wear protective hand gear when handling all wildlife equipment. avoid biting your fingernails. Raccoon eggs and other contaminants can adhere to traps, tools, and other items used in wildlife damage management work. While hand washing is encouraged, it may not be enough to remove eggs from your hands. The eggs have a sticky substance so you should use hot water and bleach.