WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (WPEC) — A recent discovery of the Asian lungworm in Palm Beach County has raised issues about the way forward for Florida’s native snake populations.
Researchers consider this invasive parasite, possible launched by Burmese pythons, is now affecting different snake species, doubtlessly resulting in illness and dying.
The Burmese python, not native to Florida, seems to have some immunity to the lungworm.
“Pythons have the benefit that they’re developed with this parasite, so it is one thing that is native to their native vary,” stated Melissa Miller, an ecologist with the University of Florida.
Miller has been learning this explicit parasite for a decade, but it surely was solely present in pythons again then.
“Infected native snakes can carry this parasite past the vary of pythons, this makes it a serious conservation concern for Florida’s native wildlife,” stated Miller.
McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary’s snake room homes about 106 snakes.
“We have one other room the place we isolate the snakes for about 30 days, we verify them out for worms and parasites, after which we’ll deliver it into this room and put the snake on exhibit,” stated Mark McCarthy, director of the sanctuary.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a present resolution to remove the lungworm from contaminated snakes. Researchers are persevering with their efforts to grasp the parasite and its results on native species.
Wildlife specialists suggest observing snakes from a distance and contacting professionals for elimination if essential.
