[Nhcoll-l] Raccoon roundworm infestation on archaeology collections

[Moore, Elizabeth (DHR)]

Hello,

A colleague has accepted transfer of 30 boxes of archaeological collections that were previously stored in a barn/garage. The boxes are contaminated with raccoon feces and raccoon roundworm (Baylisascaris procyonis) eggs.  The collection is currently being held in a storage facility and is not being handled until a treatment plan can be developed and implemented.

Shafir et al (2011) indicate that either desiccation or heat (to 143 F) for 7 months will render eggs non-viable.  The colleague has not yet started looking for a facility or method to conduct this type of treatment and I suspect it will be difficult to locate and very expensive to use such a service if it does exist and is appropriate for these collections.

Does anyone have any experience with this type of infestation? Can the collection be “decontaminated?” Do raccoon roundworm eggs lose their viability over time and, if so, how much time is prudent?

These collections are from important sites that were excavated using appropriate archaeological methods and documentation of the time (1970s and 80s). They do meet the mission of the organization and would be of value to researchers and descendant communities. Unfortunately, like many archaeology collections, they were not transferred to an appropriate repository when the research projects were completed and they were moved several times over the past several decades.

Thank you and Happy New Year.

Elizabeth



[cid:e30237f2-861b-4f15-8303-3c8aa993f65f]



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Dr. Elizabeth Moore

State Archaeologist

Department of Historic Resources



Email  elizabeth.moore at dhr.virginia.gov<mailto:elizabeth.moore at dhr.virginia.gov>

Phone  804-482-6084





2801 Kensington Ave, Richmond, VA 23221

www.dhr.virginia.gov<http://www.dhr.virginia.gov/>

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