Common Parasitic Diseases Found in Raccoons

Raccoons, like most wild animals, are susceptible to a long list of illnesses. And most of them are contagious and even fatal. But not all raccoon diseases are caused by a bacteria or a virus; some illnesses are caused by tiny little organisms called parasites. And these illnesses are called Helminth diseases. Continue reading to learn which parasitic diseases are commonly found in raccoons, and how to safely manage a raccoon problem on your property.

Roundworm

Roundworm is one of the most well-known parasitic raccoon diseases. Scientifically referred to as Baylisascaris Procyonis, raccoon roundworm are visceral (ingested and migrate through inner organs) and cutaneous (skin-deep, limited migration) larval migrans that can infect mammals via skin penetration or oral egg ingestion. Although it causes few problems for infected raccoons, roundworm is very harmful to dogs, cats, and even humans. Treatment is required immediately to reduce implications and begin healing right away. And since it is easily transferable, it is important to keep your pets vaccinated against roundworm and other parasitic diseases, and to take proper precautions to control wildlife intrusion on your property.

Toxoplasmosis

Toxoplasmosis is a common protozoal disease that can quickly infect and kill raccoons. It comes from one of the world’s most common one-celled parasites called the Toxoplasma Gondii parasite, or Toxoplasmagondii (T. Gondii). This parasite reproduces exclusively in the cat family, so Felids are definitive hosts. They are also the only species that pass infected eggs in their feces. Infected cat feces contains infectious microbial oocysts, which can be transmitted to other mammals. In humans, symptoms are flu-like (fever, muscle aches, sore throat, swollen nodes, etc.) and generally dissipate after a few weeks without any needed treatment. Raccoons and other animals can become infected of the parasitic disease, but they cannot excrete infectious agents in their feces. Raccoons generally become infected by ingesting the infectious agent, whether in undercooked meat or in cat feces. But it is also frequently associated with immunosuppression from canine distemper, which is a common raccoon viral infection.

The best method for preventing illness caused by raccoons it to get rid of raccoons, altogether! Talk to a licensed and experienced wildlife control company about raccoon removal services in your town.

Louisville Raccoon Removal Services

Call 502-553-7622 for safe and humane 24 hour raccoon removal and control in Louisville, Kentucky. We are DNR licensed and insured wildlife rescue contractors that provide a wide range of services for residential and commercial properties. Whether you have a raccoon in the attic or require raccoon-proofing, we are the professional raccoon removal contractors to trust for outstanding service at an affordable price. Call 502-553-7622 to request free estimate for Louisville raccoon removal services, today.