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In this study, the prevalence (frequency of infection) and intensity of endoparasite infestation in raccoon dogs in Poland were determined, with particular attention given to human-pathogenic parasite species. The following parasite species were detected: Echinococcus multilocularis (fox tapeworm, in 10.42% of the examined 96 animals), Toxocara canis (dog roundworm, 18.75%), Alaria alata (25.0%), Uncinaria stenocephala (27.08%), and Dipylidium caninum (dog tapeworm, 6.25%). The study demonstrates that the raccoon dog can serve as a suitable reservoir host for various zoonotic pathogens in northern Poland.

Pilarczyk BM et al. (2022) Infection of Raccoon Dogs (Nyctereutes procyonoides) from Northern Poland with Gastrointestinal Parasites as a Potential Threat to Human Health. Journal of Clinical Medicine 11(5):1277

The golden jackal is steadily expanding in Europe, and its presence has been confirmed in Switzerland, where further distribution and the health status of the animals are officially monitored. From 2016 to 2021, five dead jackals were examined for parasites, and isolated parasite stages were morphologically and molecularly identified. The results indicate that the golden jackal in Switzerland serves as a host for the fox tapeworm (Echinococcus multilocularis) and the dog roundworm (Toxocara canis), as well as Trichinella britovi (trichinosis, a nematode) and Sarcocystis sp.

Frey CF et al. (2022) The golden jackal (Canis aureus): A new host for Echinococcus multilocularis and Trichinella britovi in Switzerland. Schweizer Archiv für Tierheilkunde 164:71–78

The raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) is a typical parasite of the raccoon (Procyon lotor) that can cause a severe form of larva migrans accompanied by organ damage in humans. Between January and August 2021, 21 raccoons were captured in Tuscany (Central Italy) and examined for the presence of raccoon roundworm. Adult nematodes were found in the small intestines of seven raccoons (prevalence rate of 33.3%). This represents the first detection of raccoon roundworm in raccoons from Italy.

Lombardo A et al. (2022) First report of the zoonotic nematode Baylisascaris procyonis in non-native raccoons (Procyon lotor) from Italy. Parasites & Vectors 15:24