Subject Reference: GS Paper III (Environment & Biodiversity | Science & Technology)
- The News (Dec 2025): A study in Europe has flagged a massive surge in the infection of wild raccoons with the Baylisascaris procyonis parasite. Infection rates in countries like Germany have reached as high as 77%, raising fears of zoonotic transmission (animal to human).
- Apt Topic: "Invasive Species as Biological Health Risks"
- The Zoonotic Link: This is a classic case of Invasive Alien Species (IAS) causing public health crises. Raccoons are not native to Europe (imported from North America); their spread introduces pathogens to which local ecosystems and humans have no natural immunity.
- Mechanism of Harm: The parasite causes Larval Migrans. When humans accidentally ingest the eggs (often through contaminated soil), the larvae migrate to the brain (Neural) or eyes (Ocular), leading to permanent damage or death.
- UPSC Link: Connect this with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, which aims to reduce the introduction and establishment of invasive species by 50% by 2030.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
