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The raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyionoides) was identified for the first time in Austria from an infected raccoon. The parasite was detected in a two-year-old male raccoon that was killed on the road near Hittisau (Vorarlberg) in November 2019.

Duscher GG et al. (2021) A potential zoonotic threat: First detection of Baylisascaris procyonis in a wild raccoon from Austria. Transboundary and Emerging Diseases 68:3034–3037

The raccoon dog is a host and carrier for a variety of pathogens. Whether it is involved in the transmission of coronaviruses to humans is not yet clearly understood. In the present study, the authors sequenced the entire genome of the raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) for the first time and found genetic evidence that it can transmit SARS-CoV-2. They identified the genes for two membrane proteins in the raccoon dog genome that can be targeted by SARS-CoV-2. One of the raccoon dog membrane proteins binds with greater affinity to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 compared to its counterparts in related species such as foxes and wolves, bats, and Asian pangolins.

Chueca LJ et al. (2021) De novo Genome Assembly of the Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides). Frontiers in Genetics 12:658256

In this publication, the authors characterized the current climatic niches of the raccoon (Procyon lotor) and raccoon dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) in their native ranges in North America and Asia, and compared them to the niches in Europe, while also predicting climatic suitability. The aim was to identify suitable habitats beyond their current ranges and assess where range expansion can be expected. The high niche overlap of both species in Europe suggests an expansion potential beyond their current distribution ranges.

Kochmann J et al. (2021) Climatic niche comparison of raccoons Procyon lotor and raccoon dogs Nyctereutes procyonoides in their native and non-native ranges. Mammal Review 51:585-595