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About Dana Krempels, Ph.D.
Expertise
I'm an evolutionary biologist with a passion for animals. Ask about natural history, behavior, ecology, evolution. PLEASE NOTE:

If you have found an "orphaned" wild animal or bird:
Please don't waste time asking questions on the internet, as the answers may come too late. DO NOT FEED THE ANIMAL, and DO NOT HANDLE IT unless it is in imminent danger. (Many wild "orphans" are not orphans at all!) If you are absolutely sure it is orphaned, keep it warm and quiet, and find a LICENSED WILDLIFE REHABILITATOR HERE. Don't try to raise the baby yourself. Many a well-intentioned rescuer will do more harm than good, especially with baby birds and baby rabbits.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMALS
Without geographic location, time of day and habitat, I can't help. A clear picture is always best.

I.D. OF MYSTERY ANIMAL SOUNDS
It's impossible for me to I.D. an animal call without hearing it myself.

COMPARATIVE STRENGTHS
I'm not an expert on comparative strengths of different animals (more complicated than you might think!) nor bite forces.

FIGHTING ANIMALS
I refuse to answer "Which of these two animals--X or X--would win in a fight?".

These hypothetical matchups range from impossible (Grizzly Bears and Gorillas don't even occupy the same continent.) to ridiculous (Someone asked me "Who would win a fight between a Great White Shark and a tiger?").

The vast majority of animals--even the fierce and powerful--are not as warlike as Homo sapiens, and it's childish to project our aggressiveness onto them.

Experience
I have been the fortunate caregiver to a group of Black-tailed Jackrabbits rescued from the Miami International Airport, and not releasable in this area because they are not native. I also have rehabbed and released Eastern Cottontails, and am in contact with many very experienced wildlife rescuers who regularly handle injured or orphaned rabbits and hares.

Organizations
House Rabbit Society

Publications
Exotic DVM journal

Education/Credentials
I have a Ph.D. in Biology, with main areas of expertise in evolutionary biology, genetics, botany, and ecology.

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Veterinary Medicine > Wild Animals > Baylisascaris in raccoon feces

Wild Animals - Baylisascaris in raccoon feces

Expert: Dana Krempels, Ph.D. - 10/28/2009

Question
We live by 120 acres of preserve and have several raccoons on the property. I have several times found loose stool full of worms on our rock wall by our lawn. I always dispose of them (use a trowel and throw into woods), but now read about a horrible disease that will kill or totally disable humans. How likely is it that we might contract this from being in our yard, perhaps unknowingly tracking the eggs inside onto our carpet or furniture.... I'm terrified now! If we have the raccoons trapped, only more will come since we're in the woods. I do have a birdfeeder and that is the draw. I would hate to have to quit feeding the birds! Please let me know if I should be worried.... Thanks so much! Christine

Answer
Dear Christine,

I would try to get a sample of the raccoon stool to a veterinarian who can send it to a lab for positive identification of the worms. There are many different species of nematodes, and these might not be Baylisascaris. But to be safe, NEVER handle the matter with anything but protective gloves, don't get anything on you, and dispose of the gloves after collecting the matter. Seal the fecal sample in a thick ziplock bag that has little or no risk of breaking.

I have not heard of humans being "casually infected" by contact with Baylisascaris eggs in the habitat, though it is not impossible. It is more commonly a risk in those who handle raccoons, such as wildlife rehabilitators or veterinarians who help them. The best person to ask about the risk of Baylisascaris in your area would be a local veterinarian who works with wildlife rehabbers. They can also tell you the risk of environmental infection.

I do know that some animals (e.g., rabbits, deer) who graze where Baylisascaris-infected raccoons have defecated can be infected with the parasites, and they suffer the same terrible fate as an infected human: in the wrong host, the larvae migrate, sometimes to the central nervous system, where they cause crippling and sometimes fatal damage.

One precautionary option might be to set out baits for the raccoons (not enough to keep them attracted; just enough to treat them) laced with Panacur (fenbendazole), which would eliminate the parasites from the local raccoon population, and reduce the risk. It won't destroy eggs already in the environment, but it will cut down the load, if there are infected raccoons using your property as territory. You might also want to ask the vet about this.

Hope this helps.

Dana

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