Determining the Prevalence of Patent Parasite Infections in Raccoons from West-Central Illinois

Mark Mitchell; Laura Hungerford; Charles Nixon; Terry Esker; Joseph Sullivan; Robert Koerkenmeier

doi:10.53607/wrb.v22.288

Authors

Mark A. Mitchell, DVM, MS, PHD School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University
Laura Hungerford, DVM, MPH, PhD School of Medicine, University of Maryland
Charles M. Nixon, MS Illinois Natural History Survey
Terry Esker BS Illinois Division of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Heritage
Joseph B. Sullivan, BS Illinois Natural History Survey
Robert Koerkenmeier, BS Illinois Natural History Survey

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53607/wrb.v22.288

Keywords:

raccoon, nematode, protozoa, parasites

Abstract

The raccoon (Procyon lotor) is an omnivorous mammal that is widely distributed throughout North America (Kaufman 1982). This omnivorous diet exposes the raccoon to a broad spectrum of intestinal parasites. Because the raccoon is highly adapted to both urban and rural environments, and raccoon densities are increasing in both types of areas (Hoffman and Gottschang 1977), there is increased contact between humans and raccoons. Greater contact with raccoons creates a potential for human and domestic animal exposure to parasites normally harbored by raccoons. Intestinal parasitism can cause serious consequences for the vertebrate host, including weight loss, poor pelt, anemia, and death (Hanson 1933; Soulsby 1982). Intestinal parasitism in the raccoon has been studied extensively, especially in the Midwest and Southeast (Cole and Shoop 1987; Schaffer et al. 1981; Smith et al. 1985; Snyder and Fitzgerald 1985a). Several studies in different geographic locations have characterized age, gender, season, and/or location patterns for Baylisascaris procyonis (Kidder et al. 1989; Snyder and Fitzgerald 1985b); however, no study has evaluated the combination of these factors for B. procyonis and/or other intestinal parasites simultaneously. The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the prevalence of patent intestinal nematode and protozoal infections in raccoons; (2) compare prevalence of shedding between age and gender groups; and (3) compare prevalence of shedding between raccoons captured in different sites or seasons.

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Author Biography

Mark A. Mitchell, DVM, MS, PHD, School of Veterinary Medicine, Louisiana State University

Dr. Mitchell is Assistant Professor of Zoological Medicine and Director of the Wildlife Hospital of Louisiana at the Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA.

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