procyonis

Procyonis is a genus of parasitic roundworms that primarily infects raccoons (Procyon lotor) and other mustelids. The worms are small, typically measuring 3 to 7 mm in length, and belong to the family Tunnellidae within the order Ascaridida. Procyonis species are of particular interest to wildlife veterinarians and public health officials because their eggs can persist in the environment for years and pose a zoonotic risk to humans and domestic animals.

The life cycle of Procyonis involves a single host and an indirect environmental transmission. Adult worms reside in the intestines of raccoons, where they produce eggs that are shed in feces. The eggs later develop into embryonated stages when retained on vegetation, rocks, or in soil. All hosts are equally susceptible to infestation, but raccoons that consume contaminated vegetation or small mammals ingest the embryonated eggs and become the definitive hosts. Once ingested, the larvae hatch and migrate through tissues, eventually returning to the intestine to mature into adult worms. In humans, accidental ingestion of embryonated eggs can lead to a rare but serious condition called raccoon roundworm disease, characterized by systemic migration of larvae, inflammation of the liver and lungs, and neurological involvement. Clinical symptoms may include fever, abdominal pain, and, in severe cases, neurologic deficits.

Preventive measures focus on reducing environmental contamination by raccoons, maintaining sanitary disposal of raccoon feces, and discouraging the consumption of raw or contaminated produce. In areas where raccoon populations overlap with human habitation, regular monitoring of environmental egg burdens and public education campaigns are recommended. Veterinary interventions are limited; treatment of raccoons with broad-spectrum anthelmintics may reduce egg shedding, but complete eradication is improbable.