Raccoon parasites have become a growing concern in Belgium, especially as they can cause severe nerve damage or even be fatal to humans. On 2025-05-20 12:45:00, experts highlighted the importance of taking personal precautions to limit infection risks. With raccoons increasingly present in natural areas, understanding safety measures is crucial.
- Infection can cause nerve damage or death
- Keep dogs on leash in nature
- Wash fruits thoroughly or pick above 30 cm
- Natuurhulpcentrum treats raccoons as infected
- Staff wear protective suits and gloves
- Infected animals are euthanized, healthy sterilized
One key recommendation is to keep dogs on a leash when outdoors and to thoroughly wash any fruits picked from forests or roadside areas. Picking fruits only from at least 30 centimeters above the ground can also reduce contamination risks. These simple steps help protect both people and pets from potential infection.
But what exactly are the measures taken by wildlife centers, and how do they manage the risk? The Fast Answer below explains the current approach in Belgium.
How effective are these precautions, and what more could be done? The Natuurhulpcentrum uses strict protocols to prevent parasite transmission, including:
- Wearing protective suits, gloves, masks, and overshoes when handling raccoons
- Quarantining all new arrivals, even if no infection is detected initially
- Euthanizing infected raccoons to prevent further spread
- Sterilizing and grouping healthy raccoons before relocating them to zoos
As awareness grows, it is important for the public to stay informed and follow recommended safety tips. Could increased monitoring and education further reduce risks? Only through combined efforts can Belgium effectively manage this emerging threat.
