California vet warns of deadly raccoon roundworm parasite after treating infected dog
Yahoo • • health
Key Points:
- A Woodland Hills family discovered their dog, Ducky, was infected with raccoon roundworm, marking the first formal case reported in a dog in Los Angeles County history, according to the Department of Public Health.
- Raccoon roundworm infection occurs through ingestion of food or water contaminated with raccoon feces, and while pets can develop severe illnesses, transmission directly from pets to humans is not possible.
- In 2024, two unrelated children in the South Bay were infected after exposure to raccoon feces, highlighting that young children and individuals with pica are at higher risk; both children recovered with treatment.
- Public health officials emphasize preventive measures such as picking up pet waste, removing raccoon latrines, securing
