‘Dog-Killing Flatworm’ Discovered in California: ‘Organ Tissues Stop Functioning’

Researchers are warning pet owners in California to keep their dogs away from rivers this summer after a potentially deadly species of worm was found in the area for the first time.

Last week, scientists at the University of California, Riverside, shared a press release saying the parasite, previously found only “in Texas and other Gulf Coast states,” has reached the West Coast and is now threatening local wildlife and pets.

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A pattern, scientifically known as Heterobilharzia americanais a flatworm commonly called a liver fluke.

liver fluke flatworm.

Adler Dillman/UCR

It is transmitted by snails and can survive for up to 24 hours before attaching to the host.

According to the press release, the flatworm can cause canine schistosomiasis, which affects the liver and intestines of dogs.

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

flatworm liver fluke research team.

Adler Dillman/UCR

The professor assembled a research team to observe diseased canines in Blythe, a town near Joshua Tree National Park in Riverside County, after the dogs had been playing in rivers in the area.

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Dillman’s team collected more than 2,000 snails and published their findings in a journal Causes of diseases March 13.

liver fluke flatworm, snails.

Adler Dillman/UCR

“We actually found two species of snails that can support it H. American in the river in Blythe, and we found both snails actively expelling this worm,” Dillman said. “Not only was it a surprise H. Americanwe also did not know that snails were present here.”

In addition to canines that are family pets, the parasite can also be contracted by raccoons, marsh rabbits, dogs, horses, nutria, bobcats, mountain lions, possums and other mammals.

“It gets into the veins of the intestinal lining and there it develops into an adult and mates,” Dillman said. “The presence of adults in the veins is not a problem. It is the eggs that reach the lungs, spleen, liver and heart. The immune system tries to deal with this and hard clumps of immune cells called granulomas form. Eventually, the organ tissues stop functioning.”

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Colorado River near Blythe, California — picture.

Bing Guan/Bloomberg via Getty

Infected animals are likely to show symptoms such as loss of appetite and may eventually experience vomiting, diarrhea, significant weight loss and signs of liver disease.

Emily Beeler, a veterinarian with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, said if your pet has been swimming in the Colorado River and develops the above problems, they should see a vet.

Although this parasite can cause major health problems in animals, it is important to note that humans would not face the same problems.

“It can cause swimmer’s itch, a red rash where it penetrates human skin. But it can’t cause an infection,” Dillman said.

Categories: Trends
Source: HIS Education