Luxembourg's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Viticulture and the Ministry of Health and Social Security have issued a press release providing information about raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis).
The ministries explained that this is a parasite found mainly in raccoons, a mammal species classified as exotic and invasive in Europe. The parasite is native to North America and is recognised as an emerging risk in Europe. The parasite has also been detected in raccoons in Luxembourg.
A comprehensive genetic study by the National Museum of Natural History (natur musée) on this parasite and its origin, as well as its distribution in Luxembourg and neighbouring regions, is currently underway. The ministries added that, once the study is completed, the results will be communicated and shared with the scientific community, health authorities and the general public.
They noted that raccoon roundworm is a parasite that lives in the intestines of raccoons. Dogs and cats can also act as hosts for the parasite and excrete eggs. The worm eggs enter the environment via the hosts' faeces, where they can be ingested by other mammals or birds.
In the parasite's development cycle, humans represent a so-called false host, which can be harmed by the larvae that develop following the accidental ingestion of eggs from raccoon or dog feces. The risk of contamination for humans is very low, as shown by studies in Germany, where the raccoon is widespread, and elsewhere in the world, where the parasite is indigenous, such as the United States. However, in the event of accidental ingestion, the disease can develop and have serious consequences by affecting various organs.
As such, the ministries stressed the importance of following certain preventive measures: wash your hands thoroughly after playing outside or working in the garden, especially before preparing food or after handling potentially infected animals; wash fruit and vegetables from the garden.
In addition, raccoons should be kept as far away from human habitation as possible to minimise the risk of infection. The following measures can be taken to discourage raccoons from coming into one's home: prevent access to food (e.g. do not put cat food outside); keep rubbish bins firmly closed; close access to attics and basements; cover sandboxes when not in use (raccoons may use sandboxes as a latrine).
In order to minimise the risks of exposure to dogs and cats, the Luxembourg Veterinary and Food Administration (ALVA) has advised pet owners to consult a veterinarian to determine the best parasite prevention.
To raise public awareness about raccoons in general, the Nature and Forest Agency and the National Museum of Natural History published an information brochure in 2021 - although at that time the parasite had not yet been detected in Luxembourg.
The brochure "Waschbären und Marderhunde in Luxemburg" (in German only) is available online at www.emwelt.lu and in a free printed version from the Nature and Forest Agency via tel.: 247-56652, as well as at the administration's nature and forest centres: A Wiewesch in Manternach, Biodiversum in Remerschen, Burfelt near Insenborn, Ellergronn in Esch-sur-Alzette and Mirador in Steinfort.
