Vector-Borne and Zoonotic Pathogens in Raccoon Dogs ( Nyctereutes procyonoides ) and Raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) from Schleswig-Holstein, Germany.

Raccoon dogs ( Nyctereutes procyonoides ) and raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) are invasive alien species originating from East Asia and North America, respectively. They are discussed as vectors and reservoirs for various infectious diseases, including vector-borne and zoonotic pathogens, and are therefore a potential threat to human and domestic animal health, as well as to biodiversity and conservation. In the years 2021 and 2022, 110 raccoon dogs ( Nyctereutes procyonoides ) and 30 raccoons ( Procyon lotor ) were screened via qPCR for the presence of Leptospira spp., Rickettsia spp. and Borreliella spp. in the German federal state of Schleswig-Holstein as part of a health and risk assessment study. Borreliella spp. were confirmed in one raccoon dog and one raccoon, identified as Borreliella afzelii in the raccoon. Leptospira spp. were found in 21 (19.44%) raccoon dogs and 2 (6.90%) raccoons. In five raccoon dogs, Leptospira spp. were identified as Leptospira borgpetersenii , Leptospira kirschneri and Leptospira interrogans.