Reemergence of Strongyloidiasis, Northern Italy

coln Marsh (38/81, 46%). The number of latrines per backyard ranged from 1 to 6 (χ = 2.15). B. procyonis eggs were found at 14/61 latrines sampled (23%; 95% CI 12%–34%), and no significant difference in prevalence was found between the Ned Brown (6/23, 26%; 95% CI 8%–44%) and Lincoln Marsh areas (8/38, 21%; 95% CI 8%–34%). Evaluation of the main effect model identified a decreasing probability of latrine occurrence with increasing distance from the nearest forested area and the presence of an outdoor pet, although these relationships were only marginally significant (p = 0.07 and 0.08, respectively). No other variables were closely associated with the presence of raccoon latrines (p>0.20). When evaluated alone, distance from the forest preserve was significantly related to latrine occurrence (p = 0.03); probability decreased with increasing distance. Evaluation of the simplified model identified a weakly positive association with the presence of a food source (p = 0.09) and no association with the presence of latrine substrate (p = 0.35). Although the findings were not statistically significant, raccoon latrines did appear to be associated with the availability of a food source such as bird feed (odds ratio [OR] 1.9, 95% CI 0.9–4.1); the presence of an outdoor pet (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.06–1.2) and increasing distance from the nearest forested area reduced the likelihood of latrines. No other variables were associated with the presence of raccoon latrines; however, low statistical power may have precluded adequate assessment. Our results suggest that when humans live close to protected forests or natural areas, they are more likely to attract raccoons into their yards. In addition, anthropogenic food sources such as pet food, garbage, and bird feed may increase the likelihood that a raccoon will create a latrine, and the presence of outdoor pets appears to be a deterrent. In areas of high raccoon density, these attractants should be removed. Homeowners with small children should remove latrines as quickly as they are discovered (2). The risk of children acquiring potentially fatal baylisascariasis can be reduced if parents understand how to reduce the likelihood that children will come into contact with raccoon latrines.