Trapping: Raccoon and Possum trapping consists of finding the animal and either excluding them from reentry or trapping and relocating. No animal is ever harmed, only relocated to the mountain areas.

Raccoons do not have saliva glands, that is why they wash their food to moisten it for swallowing purposes only. (It's not cleanliness which is a common misconception). When ever babies are found we never intentionally separate the mother and babies we trap the female then search for the litter and either (depending on the age of babies) are dropped off together in the mountains near a water source, or put on a wildlife preserve.

Health concerns: Dropping cleanup in very important due to the possibility of Roundworm, which derives from the raccoon droppings. The Roundworm if ingested will hatch and feed upon human organs such as kidneys, liver, eyes and the brain stem. If undiagnosed and left untreated a painful death is inevitable.

What is Raccoon Roundworm Baylisascaris? Baylisascaris is the scientific name of a type of intestinal roundworm that can infect a variety of carnivorous (meat-eating) animals. Baylisascaris Procyonis is the name of the species found commonly in raccoons. When humans and other animals ingest infective eggs of the roundworm, Baylisascaris hatch in the intestine and travel through the organs and muscles — this is called larva migrans syndrome. Infection rarely causes symptoms in raccoons.

How common is Baylisascaris infection in raccoons? Fairly common. Infected raccoons have been found throughout the United States. The highest infection rates occur in the Midwest, Northeast, and West Coast.

How common in Baylisascaris infection in humans? Serious infection is rarely diagnosed. Fewer than 30 cases have been reported, however it is believed that some cases are incorrectly diagnosed as other infections or go undiagnosed.

How does infection spread to humans? Infected raccoons commonly shed the eggs in their feces, and the eggs usually develop to the infective stage in 2 to 4 weeks. The eggs are resistant to most environmental conditions and with adequate moisture, can survive for years. Infection is spread when infective eggs are accidentally ingested by a person or animal. People, especially young children, generally become infected from accidentally ingesting eggs from soil, water, hands, or other objects that have been contaminated with raccoon feces. The eggs must be ingested by a human or other animal to be able to hatch and release larvae. Animals may also become infected by eating a smaller animal that has been infected with Baylisascaris.

What are the signs and symptoms of Baylisascaris infection? Signs and symptoms of infection depend on how many eggs are ingested and where in the body of larvae migrate. Once swallowed and inside the body, the eggs hatch. Larvae then cause disease when they migrate through the liver, brain, spinal cord, and other organs. Swallowing a few eggs may cause few or no symptoms. Signs and symptoms of infection may take a week or so after ingestion of eggs to develop. Ingesting large numbers of eggs may lead to serious symptoms, such as nausea, tiredness, liver enlargement, lack of coordination, lack of attention to people and surroundings, loss of muscle control, coma and blindness. Some cases have resulted in death.

What should I do if I think I have ingested Baylisascaris eggs? See your health care provider immediately. Be sure to report that you have recently been in contact with raccoons.

How is infection diagnosed? Infection is very difficult to diagnose and often is made by ruling out other infections that cause similar symptoms. Information in diagnoses and testing can be obtained by calling the Parasitic Diseases Epidemiology Brand at 770-488-7760.

Who is at risk for infection? Anyone who is exposed to environments where raccoons live is potentially at risk. Young children and developmentally disabled persons are at highest risk for infection because they spend time outdoors and they may put dirty fingers or objects into their mouths. Hunters, trappers, and wildlife rehabilitators may also be at increased risk if they handle raccoons or raccoon feces.

Is treatment available? No effective, curative treatment is available. Because early treatment might reduce serious damage caused by the infection, seek immediate medical attention for any person seen ingesting raccoon feces.

How can I prevent infection to myself, my children or my neighbors? Newly deposited eggs take at lease 2 to 4 weeks to become infective. Avoid direct contact with raccoons, especially their feces. Do not keep, feed, or adopt raccoons as pets! Raccoons are wild animals, discourage them from living in and around your home or parks by preventing access to food. Clear brush so raccoons are not likely to make a den on your property. Stay away from areas and materials that might be contaminated by raccoon feces. Raccoons typically defecate at the base of or in raised forks of trees, or on raised horizontal surfaces such as fallen logs, stumps or large rocks. Raccoon feces also can be found on woodpiles, decks, rooftops, and in attics, garages and haylofts. Feces are usually dark and tubular, have a pungent odor (usually worse than dog or cat feces), and often contain undigested seeds or other food items. To eliminate eggs, raccoon feces and material contaminated with raccoon feces should be removed carefully and burned, buried, or sent to a landfill. Care should be taken to avoid contaminating hands and clothes. Treat decks patios and other surfaces with boiling water or a propane flame-gun. Prompt removal and destruction of raccoon feces will reduce risk for exposure and possible infection.

Facts taken from the CDC

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