Geographic Distribution of Raccoon Roundworm, Baylisascaris procyonis, Germany and Luxembourg.

Infestation with Baylisascaris procyonis, a gastrointestinal nematode of the raccoon, can cause fatal disease in humans. We found that the parasite is widespread in central Germany and can pose a public health risk. The spread of B. procyonis roundworms into nematode-free raccoon populations needs to be monitored.

The biological potential of the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides, Gray 1834) as an invasive species in Europe-new risks for disease spread?

Invasive wildlife species have the potential to act as additional host and vector species for infectious diseases. The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonides), a carnivore species that has its origin in Asia, was taken as an example to demonstrate biological and ecological prerequisites which enables an invasive species to occupy a new habitat permanently. Studies conducted during the last 20 years identified a total of 35 species of endoparasites, five ectoparasites, six bacterial or protozoan species, and five viruses found in the subspecies Nyctereutes procyonoides ussuriensis in its original and newly occupied habitat or in Nyctereutes procyonoides koreensis in its original habitat, respectively. With reference to raccoon dogs impact as vector species and the relevance for human and animal health, we selected Trichinella spp., Echinococcus multilocularis, Francisella tularensis, rabies virus, and canine distemper virus for detailed description. Results of studies from Finland and Germany furthermore showed that biological characteristics of the raccoon dog make this carnivore an ideal host and vector for a variety of pathogens. This may result in a growing importance of this invasive species concerning the epidemiology of some transmissible diseases in Europe, including the hazard that the existence of autochthonous wildlife, particularly small populations, is endangered. Potential adverse effects on human and animal health in the livestock sector must also be taken into account. Especially with regard to its potential as a reservoir for zoonotic diseases, the raccoon dog should receive more attention in disease prevention and eradication strategies.

[The raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis)--no zoonotic risk for Brandenburg?]. / Der Waschbärspulwurm (Baylisascaris procyonis)--kein Zoonoserisiko für Brandenburg?

The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of the raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris [B.] procyonis), a dangerous zoonotic pathogen for humans, in raccoons living in the federal state of Brandenburg, Germany. In the years 2008 to 2013, a total of 762 raccoons, dating from hunting bags, were examined for intestinal helminths. No raccoon roundworm specimen was detected, but 27 samples were positive for Mesocestoides spp. Earlier studies had proved the presence of B. procyonis in Hesse and since 2005 the parasite has also been found in the western part of Saxony-Anhalt. The migration ability of raccoons may promote a further distribution of this parasite and could increase the risk for zoonotic infections in humans.

[The raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Germany--an established Neozoon as host and vector for parasites and other pathogenes]. / Der Marderhund (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in Deutschland--ein etablierter Neubürger als Wirt und Vektor für Parasiten und andere Pathogene.

Some invasive wildlife species have the potential to act as additional host and vector species for parasitic and other infectious diseases. We used the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonides), a carnivore species that has its origin in Asia, as an example to demonstrate biological and ecological prerequisites which enables an invasive species to occupy a new habitat permanently. Studies conducted during the last ten years identified a total of 23 endoparasites, two ectoparasites, six bacterial or protozoan species and five viruses, found in the Nyctereutes procyonoides ussuriensis subspecies in its newly occupied range or in N. procyonoides koreensis in its original range. Results of studies in Finland and Germany furthermore showed that biological characteristics of the raccoon dog make this carnivore an appropriate host or vector for a variety of parasites and infectious diseases. This may result in a growing importance of this invasive carnivore for the epidemiology of transmissible diseases in Germany. Especially with regard to zoonotic disease outbreaks, the raccoon dog should therefore be paid more attention in disease prevention and eradication strategies.

The spatial and temporal disappearance of different oral rabies vaccine baits.

Bait disappearance can give valuable information for the assessment of oral vaccination campaigns of foxes against rabies. In this study, the spatial and temporal disappearance of three different vaccine baits under almost identical conditions was investigated. In the study area, 350 baits were placed at previously marked positions during two different periods; late autumn and early spring. The distribution of baits was in accordance with the method as recommended by the European Union; a density of 20 baits per km2 along flight lines 500m apart. Bait disappearance was checked 1, 3, 5 and 7 days after distribution. At least 80% of the baits had disappeared within one week after distribution. No difference in bait disappearance was observed between the two selected periods. However, a significant higher bait disappearance was observed in forested areas when compared to open agricultural areas. Furthermore, the differences in bait disappearance between the three type of baits tested were relatively small and not significant.