Do raccoon dogs pose a risk to public health? Help us by reporting finding a dead raccoon dog
Raccoon dogs, Photo: Jaap Mulder
Since 2001, raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procyonides) have been spotted with increasing frequency around the North-Eastern Dutch-German border. Today, it appears that there is a wild population in the Netherlands.
The National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) will investigate whether raccoon dogs in the Netherlands are infected with the parasites Trichinella spiralis and Echinococcus multilocularis that can be transmitted to humans. In addition, the DWHC will perform post-mortem investigation on fresh raccoon dog cadavers in order to shed light on the general health status of these animals.
What to do if you find a dead raccoon dog
In order to help this project please report finding a dead raccoon dog via the submission form on our website or by calling the DWHC on 030 – 253 79 25. After submitting your form you will be contacted by the DWHC who will advise you on how to package the cadaver and arrange collection of the package from your home or place of work.
Questions regarding this project can be directed to miriam.maas@rivm.nl
