WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (CBS12) — A recent discovery of the Asian lungworm in Palm Beach County has raised considerations about the way forward for Florida’s native snake populations.
Researchers imagine this invasive parasite, seemingly launched by Burmese pythons, is now affecting different snake species, doubtlessly resulting in illness and demise.
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.
Melissa has been learning this explicit parasite for a decade, nonetheless it was solely present in pythons again then.
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“Infected native snakes can carry this parasite beyond the range of pythons, this makes it a major conservation concern for Florida’s native wildlife.”” stated Miller.
We went to native wild life consultants at McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary to see what precautions they’re taking.
McCarthy’s snake room homes about 106 snakes.
“We have one other room the place we isolate the snakes for about 30 days, we test 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 McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary.
Unfortunately, there is no such thing as 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 consultants advocate observing snakes from a distance and contacting professionals for removing if mandatory.
You can contact McCarthy’s Wildlife right here.
If you’re involved a few snake in your property you’ll be able to name McCarthy’s, simply be sure you regulate it till professionals arrive.
