Raccoons are adaptable wild animals often found across various environments, including both rural and urban settings. Their presence in residential areas means encounters with humans and pets are not uncommon. Like many wild species, raccoons can carry different pathogens, making it important to understand the potential health considerations associated with them.
Key Diseases Raccoons Carry
Raccoons are known carriers of several diseases that can affect animals and, in some cases, humans. One significant concern is rabies, a viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. This illness can be fatal if left untreated after exposure.
Raccoon roundworm, scientifically known as Baylisascaris procyonis, is a parasitic worm that lives in the intestines of raccoons. Their eggs are shed in raccoon feces and can survive in the environment for extended periods.
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection that raccoons can harbor. This bacterium primarily affects the kidneys and liver. It can be found in the urine of infected animals and persist in wet environments.
Raccoons also carry common viral diseases like canine distemper and parvovirus. While these illnesses primarily threaten other wildlife and unvaccinated domestic animals, their presence is relevant for pet owners.
How Diseases Spread
Rabies spreads when an infected animal’s saliva enters a wound through a bite or scratch. Initial symptoms in humans might resemble the flu, including fever and headache, before progressing to neurological signs such as confusion and paralysis. In animals, behavioral changes like aggression or unusual tameness can be indicators.
Raccoon roundworm eggs become infectious after a few weeks in the environment and can be ingested by humans or animals. This usually happens through accidental contact with contaminated soil, water, or objects, often linked to raccoon droppings. Once ingested, the larvae can migrate through the body, potentially causing severe neurological damage if they reach the brain.
Leptospirosis is transmitted through contact with the urine of infected animals or with contaminated water or soil. This can occur by swimming or wading in contaminated water, or through direct contact with infected urine via cuts or mucous membranes. Symptoms in humans often include fever, muscle aches, and headaches, and can lead to kidney or liver damage. For pets, signs may include fever, vomiting, and lethargy.
Canine distemper and parvovirus are highly contagious among animals and spread through direct contact with an infected animal or its bodily fluids, such as nasal discharge or feces. While these viruses are not typically transmitted to humans, they pose a serious risk to unvaccinated dogs. Symptoms in affected animals can include respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems, and neurological signs.
Protecting Yourself and Pets
Maintain a safe distance from raccoons and never attempt to feed or approach them. Raccoons are wild animals and can behave unpredictably, especially if they feel threatened. Observing them from afar is the safest approach.
Securing your property can help deter raccoons from seeking food or shelter near your home. This includes ensuring trash cans have tight-fitting lids, removing outdoor pet food, and sealing potential entry points into attics, chimneys, or crawl spaces. Eliminating easy access to food sources and den sites reduces the likelihood of raccoons frequenting your yard.
Vaccinating your pets against common diseases is a protective measure. Ensuring dogs and cats are up-to-date on vaccinations for rabies, canine distemper, and leptospirosis provides a layer of defense against these pathogens. Regular veterinary check-ups and adherence to vaccination schedules are recommended.
Practicing good hygiene, particularly after spending time outdoors, helps minimize the risk of exposure to environmental contaminants. Thoroughly washing hands with soap and water after gardening, playing in areas where raccoons might be present, or handling soil. This can help remove any potential roundworm eggs or other pathogens.
If you are bitten or scratched by a raccoon, or if there is suspected contact with its bodily fluids, immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. Seek prompt medical attention and contact your local health authorities to report the incident. They can provide guidance on potential rabies exposure and other necessary follow-up care. If a raccoon appears sick, injured, or is exhibiting unusual behavior, such as staggering or acting disoriented, contact local animal control or wildlife authorities.