How to Avoid Raccoon Roundworm

Raccoon Roundworm, also called Raccoon Ringworm, is a rare disease caused by the accidental ingestion of roundworm eggs expelled in feces of the raccoon.
The Centers for Disease control advises that it can be a risk to anyone who is exposed to areas that raccoons live in.
When the Raccoon Roundworm eggs are accidentally ingested by humans, they hatch and travel throughout the body. The larvae affect muscle and organ tissue and cause loss of muscle control, blindness and coma.
Only 30 cases of Raccoon Roundworm, with 5 deaths, had been identified in the United States prior to May 2009, when 2 cases were reported in New York.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Make sure children do not put hands or objects that may be infected with raccoon roundworm eggs into their mouths.

2. Bring pet food inside.

3. Use a bungie cord to secure garbage can lids, or place garbage containers into a locked area.

4. Screen or seal off all openings to buildings and chimneys.

5. Put an electric fence around the garden to keep raccoons out.

6. Cover sand boxes than can contain raccoon roundworm infected feces.

7. Protect your fish pond from raccoons.

8. Outside furniture, decks, porches or patios that show signs of scat can be treated with boiling water.

Resources

• Raccoon Ringworm or Raccoon Roundworm?
• How to Identify Raccoon Roundworm Symptoms

[Ladybugblue]

on 5/25/2009 Good article and I have never heard of this! Thanks! 5*

[optimalclover]

on 5/13/2009 Thanks for the info. I tried shake away which is made from coyote urine. It really works well and it keeps the deer and rabbits out of my flowerbeds too.

[tachic]

on 5/10/2009 Thanks for the tips to avoid raccoon roundworm