RACCOON ROUNDWORM (Baylisascaris porcyonis)

RACCOON ROUNDWORM (Baylisascaris porcyonis)

This raccoon roundworm is common throughout most areas we service such as Marin county, Napa county, Sonoma county, Solano county, Sacramento county and Contra Costa county. Most raccoons carry this parasite in their intestinal tract and transmitted into the host’s feces. Young raccoons become infected by ingesting eggs that can be present in the contaminated areas of their nesting site. The eggs become infectious in about 3 to 4 weeks after they are shed by the raccoon. Adult worms measure 15 to 20 cm in length and 1 cm in width. Prevalence of infections can range to nearly 100% of all raccoons sampled depending on the area of your state.

THE DISEASE & PEOPLE

Humans often contract this parasite by ingesting soil after putting their fingers in their mouths as children often do while playing in yards. These raccoon roundworm eggs can also be ingested by drinking water or allowing any other object that has come in contact with contaminated feces to enter the body. If people or other animals such as cats or dogs swallow roundworm eggs, the eggs hatch and begin to migrate to their tissues and organs. Compared to other roundworms, raccoon roundworms are much larger and migrate more aggressively. The larvae can cause major destruction during migration often invading the eyes or brain. These eggs can possibly be inhaled as they become airborne with the dust while crawling in attics and under floors. Wildlife officers, trappers and nuisance wildlife operators are at an increased risk due to their exposure while removing these animals from structures. Raccoon Roundworm eggs are extremely resistant to harsh elements of both internal and external environments and can survive for years. Solutions of bleach will not kill raccoon roundworm eggs but only remove their sticky protective coats. If raccoons have been found to be eating out of the same bowl your pet uses, we recommend it be thrown away and not reused. Never leave pet food outside overnight!

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms of infection with the raccoon roundworm include fever, blindness, drowsiness, cough and respiratory issues, loss of coordination or an enlarged liver. At this time there is no treatment for Baylisascaris procyonis infection in man or domestic animals. If a treatment is later found, its benefit will be questionable since most of the damage by the larvae is permanent. Larvae found in the retina can possibly be destroyed through laser therapy.

RACCOONS AS PETS

Keeping raccoons as pets is against the law in California. Doing so can also pose a very serious health risk to humans and domestic animals.

CLEANING OF RACCOON FECES

We are often called out to remove raccoon and other large animal feces from attics in Napa, CA to Vacaville, CA. The removal of feces from under floors in Alamo, CA and Danville, CA and most of the Marin county area is quite common. We are usually available to do this on short notice.