Raccoon Questions!

[muffinsquirrel]

Yes, it's true - I am rescuing a baby coon. And I don't know much, if anything, about them! The feeding is going OK - got what info available from the Baby Mammal book. But what I need to know is this....I've heard all the horror stories about the roundworm they carry. Will I be able to clean his cage with a strong clorox solution and then be able to use it for transporting squirrels? It's a plastic cat carrier. And the fleece I have in with him - can it be washed with colorox and then used for my squirrels? I'd hate to throw all this stuff away, but I will if I have to. The coonie is only here temporairly - he will go to another rehabber Monday or Tuesday.

He is SO CUTE!!!!! All the rehabbers know that I do not take coons because I won't want to ever let them go! But this was an emergency, and I was the only one available. My youngest daughter, Lace, is probably going to quit speaking to me when I get rid of him, because she has fallen head over heels for him, and thinks either I or she should keep him. (Luckily, I am definately not going to, and her husband has said SHE is definately not going to either!)

Anyhow, some help would be appreciated here - I don't know nothin bout no coonies!

I know, I know......pictures. Well I have some but the computer won't take the card for some reason. Maybe Lace will bring her camera over and I can satisfy your unceasing demands for pictures!

muffinsquirrel

[Cleo_13]

No answers from me, since i know nothing. I hope someone helps you soon. I just am really looking forward to pictures. :jump

[prncsbabs1]

Yes, it's true - I am rescuing a baby coon. And I don't know much, if anything, about them! The feeding is going OK - got what info available from the Baby Mammal book. But what I need to know is this....I've heard all the horror stories about the roundworm they carry. Will I be able to clean his cage with a strong clorox solution and then be able to use it for transporting squirrels? It's a plastic cat carrier. And the fleece I have in with him - can it be washed with colorox and then used for my squirrels? I'd hate to throw all this stuff away, but I will if I have to. The coonie is only here temporairly - he will go to another rehabber Monday or Tuesday.

He is SO CUTE!!!!! All the rehabbers know that I do not take coons because I won't want to ever let them go! But this was an emergency, and I was the only one available. My youngest daughter, Lace, is probably going to quit speaking to me when I get rid of him, because she has fallen head over heels for him, and thinks either I or she should keep him. (Luckily, I am definately not going to, and her husband has said SHE is definately not going to either!)

Anyhow, some help would be appreciated here - I don't know nothin bout no coonies!

I know, I know......pictures. Well I have some but the computer won't take the card for some reason. Maybe Lace will bring her camera over and I can satisfy your unceasing demands for pictures!

muffinsquirrel


This is from NYS DEC rehab. booklets: "Because raccoons may carry Baylisascaris (round worm) raccoon cages should only be used for raccoons. Indoor solid stainless steel cages are preferred for raccoons to disinfect and prevent the spread of Baylisaascaris. It takes 60 days until the worms in a baby raccoon mature. They can be wormed at 2 months of age. Roundworm eggs deposited outdoors may remain alive for up to ten years. To clean steel cages they recommend to "Flame off" with a blow torch(incinerate) them. Can you tell I just took the test...I remembered all the roundworm stuff. Hope this helps.

[virgo062]

As cute as they are right now...Talk about destructive:rotfl They really are sweet little things...get him a litter box and be prepared to clean it twice a day. I never had any problems with worms or anything for that matter with my three. They took Esbilac and also ate and loved cheetos and those pig pork skins. They will eat just about anything you put in front of them. We released ours at about 4 months old then fed them for about a year. You probably won't find a vet to help you I know in Georgia you have to have a special license just for coonies. They have their own little unique personality and love to play. Good Luck can't wait for the pics:flash3

[whopoopwrasse]

we had one about 15 years ago, but I don't remember much :thinking

[Nancy in New York]

This is from NYS DEC rehab. booklets: "Because raccoons may carry Baylisascaris (round worm) raccoon cages should only be used for raccoons. Indoor solid stainless steel cages are preferred for raccoons to disinfect and prevent the spread of Baylisaascaris. It takes 60 days until the worms in a baby raccoon mature. They can be wormed at 2 months of age. Roundworm eggs deposited outdoors may remain alive for up to ten years. To clean steel cages they recommend to "Flame off" with a blow torch(incinerate) them. Can you tell I just took the test...I remembered all the roundworm stuff. Hope this helps.


Thank goodness we have such a smarty on board :thumbsup :thumbsup ...Now I am going to ask you this same question in 10 years....:rotfl :rotfl

[philomycus]

Great info about the roundworms, and it's all true. PLEASE BE CAREFUL. These roundworms can be LETHAL to humans.

[4skwerlz]

Great info about the roundworms, and it's all true. PLEASE BE CAREFUL. These roundworms can be LETHAL to humans.


....and squirrels, too. :shakehead

I love coonies but do NOT want them around my squirrels.

[muffinsquirrel]

It takes 60 days until the worms in a baby raccoon mature.

OK, if it takes 60 days for the worms to mature, then they couldn't lay eggs until then, right? So with a 5 week old baby I should be safe using clorox on the cage and fleece, since there wouldn't be any eggs, right? Please say that's right - I don't mind burning the fleece but would like to salvage the cage if possible.

muffinsquirrel

[4skwerlz]

OK, if it takes 60 days for the worms to mature, then they couldn't lay eggs until then, right? So with a 5 week old baby I should be safe using clorox on the cage and fleece, since there wouldn't be any eggs, right? Please say that's right - I don't mind burning the fleece but would like to salvage the cage if possible.

muffinsquirrel

I read that nothing kills the eggs except fire.

From the CDC:

Baylisascaris, an intestinal raccoon roundworm, can infect a variety of other animals, including humans. The worms develop to maturity in the raccoon intestine, where they produce millions of eggs that are passed in the feces. Released eggs take 2-4 weeks to become infective to other animals and humans. The eggs are resistant to most environmental conditions and with adequate moisture, can survive for years.

How do humans become infected?

People become infected when they accidentally ingest infective eggs in soil, water, or on objects that have been contaminated with raccoon feces.

When humans ingest these eggs, they hatch into larvae in the person's intestine and travel throughout the body, affecting the organs and muscles.


Who is at risk for infection?

Anyone who is exposed to environments where raccoons live is potentially at risk. Young children or developmentally disabled persons are at highest risk for infection when they spend time outdoors and may put contaminated fingers, soil, or objects into their mouths. Hunters, trappers, taxidermists, and wildlife handlers may also be at increased risk if they have contact with raccoons or raccoon habitats.


How common is Baylisascaris infection in raccoons?

Fairly common. Infected raccoons have been found throughout the United States, mainly in the Midwest, Northeast, middle Atlantic, and West coast. Infection rarely causes symptoms in raccoons. Predator animals, including dogs, may also become infected by eating a smaller animal that has been infected with Baylisascaris.


How common is Baylisascaris infection in humans?

Infection is rarely diagnosed. Fever than 25 cases have been diagnosed and reported in the United States as of 2003. However, it is believed that cases are mistakenly diagnosed as other infections or go undiagnosed. Cases have been reported in Oregon, California, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, New York, and Pennsylvania. Five of the infected persons died.


What are the symptoms of Baylisascaris infection in humans?

Symptoms of infection depend on how many eggs are ingested and where in the body the larvae migrate (travel to). Once inside the body, eggs hatch into larvae and cause disease when they travel through the liver, brain, spinal cord, or other organs. Ingesting a few eggs may cause few or no symptoms, while ingesting large numbers of eggs may lead to serious symptoms. Symptoms of infection may take a week or so to develop.

Symptoms include

Nausea
Tiredness
Liver enlargement
Loss of coordination
Lack of attention to people and surroundings
Loss of muscle control
Coma
Blindness
Other animals (except raccoons) infected with Baylisascaris can develop similar symptoms, or may die as a result of infection.


How should I clean up raccoon feces?

You should clean up very carefully. To eliminate eggs, feces and material contaminated with raccoon feces should be removed and burned, buried, or sent to a landfill. Care should be taken to avoid contaminating hands and clothes. The use of gloves and facemask will help prevent cross contamination. Treat feces-soiled decks, patios, and other surfaces with boiling water. Always wash hands well with soap and running water, to help further reduce possible infection.


How can I prevent infection in myself, my children, or my neighbors?

Avoid direct contact with raccoons — especially their feces. Do not keep, feed, or adopt raccoons as pets! Raccoons are wild animals.
Discourage raccoons from living in and around your home or parks by
preventing access to food
closing off access to attics and basements
keeping sand boxes covered at all times, (becomes a latrine)
removing fish ponds — they eat the fish and drink the water
eliminating all water sources
removing bird feeders
keeping trash containers tightly closed
clearing brush so raccoons are not likely to make a den on your property
Stay away from areas and materials that might be contaminated by raccoon feces. Raccoons typically defecate at the base of or in raised forks of trees, or on raised horizontal surfaces such as fallen logs, stumps, or large rocks. Raccoon feces also can be found on woodpiles, decks, rooftops, and in attics, garages, and haylofts. Feces usually are dark and tubular, have a pungent odor (usually worse than dog or cat feces), and often contain undigested seeds or other food items.

To eliminate eggs, raccoon feces and material contaminated with raccoon feces should be removed carefully and burned, buried, or sent to a landfill. Care should be taken to avoid contaminating hands and clothes. Treat decks, patios, and other surfaces with boiling water or a propane flame-gun. (Exercise proper precautions!) Newly deposited eggs take at least 2-4 weeks to become infective. Prompt removal and destruction of raccoon feces will reduce risk for exposure and possible infection.

Contact your local animal control office for further assistance.

[prncsbabs1]

Umm, I wouldn't take the chance...but then again I have no luck...lol

Like I said, they (DEC) say to sanitize the cages by blow torch...5 weeks is a little too close to mature age for the eggs ; I wouldn't take the chance; just my opinion.
:tilt -