Wild raccoons in Germany as a reservoir for zoonotic agents

摘要: The raccoon (Procyon lotor) was introduced to Germany from North America almost 200 years ago and has now spread throughout the entire country, including some urban habitats. Due increasing contact of wild animals with humans, monitoring raccoons is necessary for identification potentially human pathogenic organisms in terms public health. There are no published studies on zoonotic agents 5 16 German federal states (Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, Saarland, Hamburg, Bremen). In remaining 11 states, a total 10 different pathogens were identified, belonging groups viruses (canine distemper virus, hepatitis E virus), protozoa (Cryptosporidium, Neospora, Sarcocystis, Toxoplasma), parasitic worms (Alaria, Baylisascaris, Mesocestoides), mites (Sarcoptes). Four other have been tested adenovirus 1, Enterocytozoon, Trichinella, Anaplasma) but positive detected. individual differ widely geographical scope number tested, making it difficult systematically monitor raccoons. addition, known that use as intermediate or final hosts not yet examined Germany. However, current data indicate pathogen spectrum living differs significantly American Since potential danger by be assumed, further above all, systematic should accomplished.