Work

A potential zoonotic threat: First detection of Baylisascaris procyonis in a wild raccoon from Austria

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: Baylisascaris procyonis is a common gastrointestinal parasite of raccoons (Procyon lotor) in their native range, and both have been introduced to Europe. Humans may ingest ascarid eggs shed via the racoons' faeces, and this could lead to severe infections affecting the central nervous system. Here, we report the first occurrence of B. procyonis in Austria. The parasite was detected in a two-year-old male raccoon that was road-killed in November 2019 near Hittisau (Vorarlberg). Genetic profiling provided strong evidence that the raccoon (and its parasite) originated from the nearest German raccoon population. The first finding in Austria highlights the need for monitoring the parasite and information of the public and practitioners.

Source: Transboundary and Emerging Diseases

DOI: 10.1111/tbed.13963

Authors: Georg Gerhard Duscher, Alain C. Frantz, Anna Kuebber‐Heiss, Hans‐Peter Fuehrer, Mike Heddergott

Institutions: Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, Musée national d'histoire naturelle Luxembourg, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna

Language: English

Topic: Parasitic infections in humans and animals

Subfield: Parasitology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500