What should I do if I have a raccoon latrine on my property?

Raccoon feces should be removed promptly when found. Raccoon feces that are still fresh are not infective for raccoon roundworm (it takes 2-4 weeks for the parasite eggs to become infective). Therefore if feces are removed promptly, any concern about raccoon roundworm is greatly decreased.

• Take care to avoid contaminating hands and clothes. Wear disposable gloves, rubber boots that can be scrubbed or cover your shoes with disposable booties that can be thrown away. Wear a well-fitting N95-rated respirator.
• If the feces are dry, avoid creating fecal dust. Spray a small amount of water or place damp paper towels over the feces.
• Pick up the raccoon feces using a shovel or inverted plastic bag. Double bag them, seal tightly and then discard in a closed outdoor trash bin.
• Clean off any remaining visible feces from the location or tools with detergent and water.
• Decontaminate hard smooth surfaces (including shovels) by applying boiling water or by using a steam cleaner. Note that most chemicals do not kill raccoon roundworm eggs, but high heat kills them instantly.
• Remove and discard gloves. Wash clothing in high heat and detergent. Wash hands with soap and water.
• Some latrines may be in places that are difficult or unsafe to clean. In those cases, hiring a private company to remove the latrine and clean the area may be necessary.

How does it spread?

People become infected by consuming raccoon feces or material contaminated with raccoon feces. Most infections are in children and others with a condition called pica, who are more likely to put dirt or animal waste in their mouth. Baylisascaris infection cannot be transmitted person to person. Hunters, trappers, taxidermists, and wildlife handlers may also be at increased risk if they have contact with raccoons or raccoon habitats.

Fewer than 25 cases of Baylisascaris disease in people have been documented in the United States. However, it is possible that some cases are incorrectly diagnosed as other illnesses or go undiagnosed so the actual number of cases of disease may be higher. Cases that are diagnosed tend to be severe. Baylisascaris cases have been reported in California, Illinois, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New York, Oregon, Washington and Pennsylvania. As of 2018, there were 23 published human neurological cases in the US; six of the infected persons died.

How does it spread in animals?

Raccoon roundworms mature into adult roundworms, and produce parasite eggs in the intestines of raccoons and occasionally in dogs. These parasites do not mature to adult worms in cats, so infected cats do not have eggs from the parasite in their feces. Adult worms can lay millions of eggs, especially in raccoons, which are then shed or released in the animal’s feces. The eggs are not immediately infectious when they are passed in the feces. It takes 2-4 weeks for the eggs to become infectious in the environment (in dirt, soil). That means fresh feces do not transmit the parasite. The parasite spreads when another animal eats the feces containing infectious parasite eggs.

Can pets spread the parasite to people?

When cats get infected with raccoon roundworm, they do not shed the parasite eggs in their feces and therefore cannot spread this parasite to people. When dogs get infected, they sometimes can pass parasite eggs in their feces, so there is some risk that a dog’s stool might transmit it to people. But there are fewer eggs of this parasite in dog feces than in raccoon feces. It is not necessary to get rid of your pet if they are exposed to raccoon feces. Talk to your veterinarian about maintaining your pets on a deworming treatment plan to prevent and treat any roundworm infections. Promptly remove pet feces from your property and wash your hands after removing feces or touching your pet. The risk of Baylisascaris infection from pets is extremely low, and taking these precautions will decrease the risk even further.