Reduction of Baylisascaris procyonis Eggs in Raccoon Latrines, Suburban Chicago, Illinois, USA

Abstract

Baylisascaris procyonis, a common roundworm of raccoons, causes severe or fatal human infections, often in suburban areas. To evaluate the effectiveness of a baiting strategy requiring minimal labor, we distributed medicated baits near raccoon latrines in suburban Chicago, Illinois, USA. This strategy lowered B. procyonis prevalence in raccoons, possibly reducing risk to humans.

Keywords

• Baylisascaris
• landscape
• management
• prevention
• zoonoses
• raccoons