Document Type
Article
DOI
10.25778/29WQ-BF28
Abstract
As a test case to determine the efficacy of anthelmintic baiting to reduce raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) prevalence in western Virginia, we deployed baits in a mountainous area of Roanoke Co., Virginia that historically was occupied by Allegheny woodrats (Neotoma magister). We deployed anthelmintic baits at 6-wk intervals from August to December 2024 at a density of 100/km2. We opportunistically collected raccoon (Procyon lotor) scat in the drop area from August 2024 to May 2025 and found a marked decline in prevalence of raccoon roundworm in the samples. Deeming this a measured success, we plan to deploy anthelmintic baits in additional roundworm-positive sites in western Virginia. These efforts could potentially reduce local roundworm prevalence to levels at which woodrat reintroductions in extirpated areas could be more successful.
Recommended Citation
Powers, K. E., W. J. Viers, C. K. Rossmeisl, and L. K. Page. 2026. A test case for raccoon roundworm anthelmintic baiting in Western Virginia. Virginia Journal of Science 77(1): 1–8. https://doi.org/10.25778/29WQ-BF28