Baylisascariasis

Baylisascariasis, also known as "raccoon disease" due to its prevalence in the raccoon population, is caused by contact with raccoon faeces and swallowing animal tissue infected with the B.

procyonids parasite.

This parasite is generally known as a roundworm.

Raccoons are the best carriers of this worm since it has no negative effects on the raccoon's health, making it a perfect host and disseminator of the parasite.

The larvae of B.

procyonids are frequently transmitted into the environment through faecal debris.

Any contact with faeces or dirt contaminated by an infected raccoon may result in systemic infection.

Birds, rabbits, and rodents, among other animals, are intermediate carriers.

It is known that the larva migrates to the brain, where it affects the neurological system.

The small animal becomes an easy catch in this debilitated state, and the larva is consumed when the predator animal (i.e., a cat) eats tissue from the diseased animal.

While this infection can often be treated in adult cats, it is almost always fatal for kittens.

Furthermore, since the worm can target the brain and neurological system, this infection may be misinterpreted as rabies.

If you suspect rabies, you should have your vet test for the presence of the B.

procyonids parasite.