In Hasselt trapped raccoon appears to be infected with rinsworm: « A parasite that could also be dangerous for humans » (inland)
The nature aid center in Oudsbergen has already caught seven raccoons this year, and that in Zaventem, Tongeren, Hasselt, Antwerp, Herselt, Keerbergen and Voeren. « In Bonheiden, Herselt and Keerbergen there are still falling because there would be several animals, » says Frederik Thoelen, director of the Natuurhulpcentrum.
The raccoon that was lured into the trap in Hasselt at the beginning of February appears to be infected with the dangerous rinsworm. « A parasite that could also be dangerous for humans. Only the chance of transfer is small, but still. We knew that the bacterium in the Netherlands and Wallonia had been spotted and were already extremely careful. Every raccoon that comes in is tested and put in quarantaine for a time. The carers always wear gloves and a mouth mask. » Because it is such a dangerous parasite, the animal was also euthanized. The same thing happened with an infected raccoon who was caught in Glabbeek at the end of last year.
The raccoon cages are already quite full in the nature aid center. – © Dick Demey
Carefully
Tom Seurs: “Now that the species – despite the steady growth – is still present in Flanders, we have to think about a total vision. Because this is an invasive exot, originating from North and Central America, of which researchers have clear indications since 2018 that the species reproduced locally. The Voerstreeken Nestzone, in particular, have been a major opaque. Local reproduction.
They also confirm at the Natuurhulpcentrum that it is mainly a Limburg and Antwerp problem.
There are currently 30 raccoons in the Natuurhulpcentrum. – © NHC
The representative of the people and mayor of AS fears that the raccoon will eventually cause more damage to the ownership of people than, for example, the stone marten. « And we are not talking about the potential danger of the rinsworm. It can be transferred through droppings so that people unconsciously come into contact with it. »
Two -track policy
« That is why we have to focus on fast interventions to get racars out of nature and the environment of man as quickly as possible. This must be combined with preventive measures to quickly detect raccoons, for example with game cameras in sensitive places. »
The catching away of raccoons seems to work well at the moment. – © Natuurhulpcentrum
The leaving of the raccoons seems to work so far. « At least, if they are still at the place where they were spotted. With dog food, wet cat food and bananas, we often get them trapped, » says Thoelen.
Thirty raccoons in cage
In the meantime, they are in the center with thirty raccoons in a cage. « Most go to Switzerland and Denmark. And recently there have also been to France. But relocation is becoming increasingly difficult, especially after the find of the rinsworm. »
Seurs asked through a written parliamentary question to Minister of Environment Jo Brouns (CD&V) whether there are plans to tackle the problem of the raccoons. The preparation for such a plan had already started the previous legislature. « The minister says in a written answer that a technical bill is being finalized by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Flemish partners also cooperated. Based on this bill that bundles the best practices, it will be examined what an effective approach can be in Flanders and is legally possible. In the next step, » a next step is watched. «
