What are the health risks related to handling raccoons?
Raccoons that are in need of rescue, even young babies that appear healthy, should not be handled directly. Raccoons are common hosts to an intestinal parasite known as raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis). This parasite is harmless to raccoons, but has the potential to be harmful-and even fatal-to other species, including humans. The parasite is transmitted through ingesting the eggs of the roundworm, which are present in raccoon feces. Transmission to humans is extremely unlikely unless there is direct handling of raccoons and/or their feces. People that regularly handle raccoons without protective hand wear and proper hygiene are in the highest risk category. Additionally, raccoons are considered a transmitter species for the rabies virus in Ontario, and even though this virus is very rare and transmission is unlikely, every precaution against the disease should be taken because of its serious effects-rabies is nearly always fatal in affected individuals. BACK TO TOP 5. There
