‘Dog-Killing Flatworm’ Found in California

Researchers are warning California pet house owners to maintain their dogs out of rivers this summer time after a doubtlessly lethal species of worm has been discovered within the space for the primary time.

Last week, scientists at University of California, Riverside shared a press release stating {that a} parasite, beforehand solely discovered “in Texas and other Gulf Coast states” has made its technique to the west coast and is now threatening native wildlife and pets.

The specimen, recognized scientifically as Heterobilharzia americanais a flatworm generally known as liver fluke.

It is transmitted by snails and may survive for as much as 24 hours earlier than attaching to a bunch.

According to the press launch, the flatworm could cause canine schistosomiasis, which impacts dogs’ liver and intestines.

“Dogs can die from this infection, so we are hoping to raise public awareness that it’s there,” mentioned UCR nematology professor Adler Dillman. “If you’re swimming in the Colorado River with them, your pets are in peril.”

The professor gathered a analysis workforce to watch sick canines in Blythe, a city close to Joshua Tree National Park in Riverside County, after the dogs had frolicked enjoying in rivers within the space.

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Dillman’s workforce collected greater than 2,000 snails, and revealed their findings within the journal Pathogens on March 13.

“We actually found two species of snails that can support H. americana in the river in Blythe, and we found both snails actively shedding this worm,” Dillman mentioned. “Not only was it a surprise to find H. americanawe also did not know that the snails were present here.”

In addition to canines which can be household pets, the parasite may latch on to raccoons, marsh rabbits, dogs, horses, nutria, bobcats, mountain lions, opossums, and different mammals.

“It gets into the veins of the intestinal lining, and that’s where it develops into an adult and mates,” Dillman mentioned. “The presence of the adults in the veins isn’t the problem. It’s the eggs that get into the lungs, spleen, liver, and heart. The immune system tries to deal with it, and hard clusters of immune cells called granulomas form. Eventually the organ tissues stop functioning.”

Infected animals will doubtless present signs like lack of urge for food, and will finally expertise vomiting, diarrhea, profound weight reduction, and indicators of liver illness.

Emily Beeler, a veterinarian with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, mentioned in case your pet has swam within the Colorado River and develops the aforementioned points, they need to see a veterinarian.

While this parasite could cause main well being issues for animals, it’s essential to notice that people wouldn’t face the identical points.

“It can cause swimmer’s itch, a red rash where it penetrates human skin. But it’s not able to cause infection,” Dillman mentioned.