Zoonotic parasites found in raccoon dogs in the Netherlands – results from RIVM study

As part of research being carried out by the National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) in 2014 the DWHC called on the public to report all findings of dead raccoon dogs. The researchers are investigating the occurrence of several zoonotic parasites (Echinococcus and Trichinella) in raccoon dogs in the Netherlands. In 2014 and the beginning of 2015 a total of nine dead raccoon dogs were submitted for investigation, the majority being roadkill. In one cadaver from the province of Drenthe, Trichinella was found, and the fox tapeworm (E.multilocularis) was found in a raccoon dog from Flevoland.

Based on these findings we have proposed that the government continue to support this research. We would like to thank everybody who has contributed to the project so far and hope that we will be able to continue this important research.