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10 Facts about Raccoon Roundworm

Raccoon roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis, is a nematode that lives in the intestines of many raccoons. There the worms shed eggs that exit the raccoons through the feces. Since raccoons tend to defecate in the same locations, known as toilettes, these sites pose risks to those who encounter the contaminated soils. What follows is 10 facts about raccoon roundworm.

Baylisascaris larvae emerging from an egg: U.S. Govt. Wikimedia.
Baylisascaris larvae emerging from an egg: U.S. Govt. Wikimedia.
  1. A raccoon can have 20,000 to 26,000 of roundworm eggs in a gram of feces.
  2. Raccoons can become infected by ingesting infective eggs or by eating animals already infected with the worms.
  3. Children are the most likely to be infected because they are more likely to play in contaminated areas and put their dirty hands in their mouth.
  4. The roundworm has been found to infect more than 100 species of animals, including dogs.
  5. Raccoon roundworm can damage organs, eyes, and cause encephalitis (i.e. inflammation of the brain).
  6. Roundworm eggs can survive for years in moist conditions, such as shaded soils.
  7. Roundworm eggs can be killed by exposure to prolonged sunlight, dry conditions, or temperatures above 144 degrees F.
  8. There are no products registered for the disinfecting roundworm eggs on surfaces.
  9. When surveys have been done, raccoon roundworm has been found throughout the United States, with only one exception.
  10. Signs of infection in animals include, lethargy, ataxia, circling, loss of fear of humans, slow arching of head and neck, slow movements, leaning, etc.

Sources:

Kazacos, Kevin R. 2001. Baylisascaris procyonis and related species. Parasitic Diseases of Wild Animals: Endoparasites Part II. Chapter 11. pp.301-341.

Murray, William J. and Kevin R. Kazacos. 2004. Raccoon Roundworm Encephalitis. Clinical Infectious Diseases. Nov. 15. Pp. 1484-1492.

Shafir, Shira C.; Wei Wang, Frank J. Sorvillo, Matthew E. Wise, Laurel Moore, Teresa Sorvillo, and Mark L. Eberhard. 2007. Thermal Depth Point of Baylisascaris procyonis Eggs. Emerging Infectious Diseases. 13:1(Jan): 172-173.

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Click the links for past {shows} and {interviews}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to [email protected] Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.

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Protocol Proposal for Raccoon Latrine Clean Up

Raccoon (Procyon lotor). Français : Raton lave...
Raccoon (Procyon lotor). Français : Raton laveur (Appellé Racoon en Guadeloupe) (Procyon lotor). Author: Darkone, 5. August 2005 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How does one properly perform a raccoon latrine clean up? Why is such a topic even important? Raccoons (Procyon lotor) have a habit of defecating in a single area. These sites are called latrines or toilettes and can be found on woodpiles, roofs, attics, and in back yards. These toilettes can also be quite large. I have written elsewhere about the risks of raccoon feces. While all feces should be avoided, raccoon feces can contain a harmful parasite (among other nasties) called, Baylisascaris procyonis, or roundworm of the raccoon.

Protocol for Raccoon Latrine Clean Up

Photo of a raccoon toilette on a dock.
Raccoon toilette on a dock.

Because the wildlife control industry does not have official protocols on how raccoon latrine clean up should be performed, I have written a draft protocol on cleaning up raccoon latrines. It was published in the Proceedings of the Wildlife Damage Management Conference (2011). You can read the publication for yourself at A Draft Proposal for an Industry Protocol for the Clean Up of Raccoon Latrines.  While the publication is just a proposal, I hoped it would start an industry-wide conversation on how wildlife control operators and others should safely and practically clean up raccoon toilettes.

I would welcome your comments. I also wanted to point out that the Centers for Disease Control also has published some guidance on raccoon latrine clean up. The link can be found in the resources below.

Resources on Raccoon Toilettes

Stephen M. Vantassel, CWCP, ACE, is the owner of Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. He helps people restore their balance with nature through publishing, training, consulting, and the internet. He has published numerous articles in trade and academic publications available at {Stephen’s Academia.edu Page} along with several books {WCC Store}). Listen to his podcast “Living the Wild Life” at {Pest Geek Podcast}. Click the links for past {shows} and {interviews}. Please subscribe to {Stephen’s YouTube Channel} He is a sought after speaker and trainer. If you would like to have Stephen speak at your event or use his consultation services, send an e-mail to [email protected] Copyright All postings are the property of Stephen M. Vantassel and Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC. Text (not images) may be reprinted in non-profit publications provided that the author and website URL is included. If images wish to be used, explicit and written permission must be obtained from Wildlife Control Consultant, LLC.

updated 5-30-2020.

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Raccoon Roundworm

When they think of dangers associated with raccoons, most people say “rabies.” While rabies is a common infection with raccoons, there is another danger with raccoons that is less known, namely Baylisascaris procyonis or more commonly raccoon roundworm. Baylisascaris procyonis is a roundworm whose eggs are commonly found in the feces of raccoons. What makes the worm dangerous is that when ingested, it can enter a person’s blood stream and damage organs and ultimately cause death.

Female (larger) and male Ascaris worms, similar to the worm Baylisascaris procyonis. Photo: Centers for Disease Control
Female (larger) and male Ascaris worms, similar to the worm Baylisascaris procyonis. Photo: Centers for Disease Control

In light of this threat, people understandably want raccoon latrines to be removed from their homes and property. But how should this be done? Disturbing raccoon latrines can cause the eggs to become airborne and contaminate even more areas. Regrettably, the wildlife control industry doesn’t have protocols established on the proper of cleaning and removal of raccoon latrines. Stephen M. Vantassel has drafted a protocol in the hopes that it will ultimately provide some guidance and standardization in the clean up of raccoon latrines. While still a work in progress, it is a step in the right direction. You can download the publication at A Draft Proposal for An Industry Protocol for the Cleanup of Raccoon Latrines.

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