Raccoons are more dangerous than they appear. The reason is because they are the main host of Baylisascaris procyonis – a roundworm which is extremely harmful to people, even involving death. Contrary to popular opinion, raccoons are not confined to woody areas alone. They are often found in cities and suburbs too. Roundworm eggs are typically passed in the stool of infected raccoons, which cause infection to spread.

Those who are exposed to environments frequented by raccoons are potentially at risk. In fact, the deadly raccoon parasite has been found in the South, with the last two years witnessing seven new cases of human infection in the U.S.A. Given below are the reasons as to why raccoon feces and urine pose a threat:

Dangers of Raccoon Feces and Urine

1. Cause of Dangerous Diseases

Raccoon droppings have the possibility of carrying several dangerous diseases.

Rabies

Though rabies is a rare disease, its consequences can be serious. It is mainly a disease of animals, but humans can also contract the same. People generally get rabies from bites, licks, and scratches from infected animals. When your pets come in contact with the feces and urine of raccoons, not only are they at risk of getting rabies but also passing it on to you. Rabies hampers functioning of the central nervous system, ultimately leading to brain disease and death.

Canine Distemper 

Raccoon populations generally build to the point where crowding is common. This can be a big issue. With the infestation of canine distemper virus, raccoons can be seen foraging in the daytime and behaving more aggressively. The disease can also spread to your pets through contact with the diseased animal or their droppings. An infected pet typically becomes tired and lethargic, accompanied by continuous coughing, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can also become anorexic. All of these problems can cause your pet to suffer and pose a big hassle to you.

Baylisascaris Infection

 It has been recently recognized that raccoons are the main host for Baylisascaris procyonis, a dangerous parasite. When roundworm eggs, present in the feces of raccoons, are ingested by young children and developmentally challenged persons, there are high chances of infection. After a person or an animal swallows Baylisascaris eggs, microscopic larvae hatch in the intestines and consequently circulate in the bloodstream, causing tissue damage. When humans/animals come into direct or indirect contact with raccoon droppings, the symptoms range from nausea, fatigue, inattention, weakening of muscle control and coordination, skin irritation, as well as liver enlargement, coma, and blindness. If neglected, the disease can prove fatal.

2. Unhygienic Conditions

The presence of raccoon urine and feces dirties the environment around your property. Apart from causing the above-mentioned diseases, they can attract other germs. Also, droppings tend to attract flies as well as accumulate dirt, both of which degrade the living conditions. It also easily creates health problems for vulnerable age groups such as the elderly and children as well as those with compromised immune systems. The odor also makes it difficult for inhabitants to pass through the specific area.

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