Diseases and Parasites Associated with Raccoons
The physical look of raccoon may make it look friendly and non-harmful but it can transfer varieties of disease by either bite, even scratch, and indirect way. The risk of contaminating the disease they carry is very high as they adept living in suburb from the wilderness. The diseases found in it can hinder both pets and humans. Young children at home are at a very high risk because they play outdoors where they may have one in one contact with raccoon feces and urine. It is strongly advised that if you come into contact with raccoon feces or notice raccoons on your property, that you contact a raccoon trapper licensed by the state of Florida to correctly address the raccoon problem.
Common Diseases and Parasites Spread By Raccoons
Roundworm
This animal can excrete roundworm eggs when dropping. Due to them being light, they can become airborne and easily inhaled by human beings then they can get infected. This disease is very fatal, if not treated can affect the whole central nervous system. When it’s severe, it can lead to impair of some important body organs including the brain. It can also lead to coma and blindness. This condition is associated with the following systems
- Lack of memory
- Loss of muscle control
- Coma
- Loss of vision
- Tiredness
- Loss of orientation
Leptospirosis
Raccoons can spread this bacterial infection through urine and droppings. It’s a disease which is infected with both animals and human beings. With an open cut and then you come into contact with its dropping, urine or another secretion, you can definitely get this disease. This disease has various symptoms which include the following; high fever, vomiting and nausea, anemia, diarrhea, anemia, kidney, heart failure, and meningitis.
Salmonella
Raccoon faces are believed sometimes to contain salmonella bacteria. This infection can easily be contracted to a human being through ingestion unintentionally, therefore transferring microorganism from hands through to the mouth. It has the ability to stay dormant in for a long time in the dry environment and become active faster when in favorable conditions.
With these features, regardless of driving it doing away with it at your home, there are possibilities of contracting this disease somewhere else. If you suffer from salmonella, it can result in these some of many health problems; abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, and high fever.
Rabies
Rabies is a viral disease. It’s carried by various spices. Raccoon included. It’s recommended to stay vigilant and always alert because if raccoons bite or scratch you, it can impose very dangerous disease on your body. If you are bitten and if the rabies goes untreated can lead to your death. It’s better to keep off from raccoons especially when the animal looks sick.
The following characteristics will help you identify a rabid raccoon:
- They have attacked pets or humans
- Stumble as if is drunk
- Exhibit a violent behavior
- Foaming or froth at the mouth
- They do not exhibit fear
What you should know is that the disease can be infected through raccoon saliva. If you or your family member or any of your pet is attacked by a raccoon in any way either bitten or scratched, find treatment quickly.
These are some of the raccoon diseases; to avoid these diseases, don’t touch raccoon faces or urine without protection. Another thing is to avoid approaching or handling raccoon most probably when it looks sick. Instead, seek professional who will handle the raccoon, take care of it, and make sure he prevents it from coming back. You can also prevent raccoons from entering into your property to avoid all these dangerous diseases. Read more here on raccoon facts.