A potentially deadly parasite in dogs has been discovered for the first time in Southern California's Colorado River, according to research from the University of California, Riverside.
What are called parasites Heterobilharsia americanathis is a flatworm commonly known as the liver fluke.
Previously found primarily in Texas and other Gulf states, it has now spread westward.
“This infection can be fatal in dogs, so we want to raise public awareness that this infection exists,” said Adler Dillman, professor of nematology at the University of California, Riverside. he told the University of California Riverside News. “Your pet is at risk if you swim in the Colorado River with them.”
Researchers at the school traveled to Bryce, California, on the Arizona border, and found 2,000 dogs on the banks of the Colorado River after discovering that several dogs infected with the parasite had all been swimming there. The snails were collected and tested.
The study says their findings suggest a “wider distribution.” [of the parasite] than previously reported. Our findings have implications for public health, veterinary medicine, and biodiversity conservation, and will contribute to the development of effective control strategies to prevent the spread of this emerging infectious disease. ”
“Our research has successfully confirmed its existence. Heterobilharsia americana For the first time, two types of snails were infected along the banks of the Colorado River. Galba humilis and Galba cubensis” said the study authors. “This important discovery represents the westernmost record of this endemic North American schistosomiasis in the United States. This parasite has been identified in an area with a documented history of canine schistosomiasis. , highlighting the persistence and potential spread of this parasitic threat.”
Heterobilharsia americana It is endemic to the Gulf Coast and South Atlantic regions of North America, but has also been found in states such as Indiana, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and recently Utah.
Research shows that in addition to dogs, it can also infect mammals such as raccoons, swamp rabbits, horses, nutria, bobcats, mountain lions, and opossums.
Once in the skin, the parasite can travel to the lungs, where it can cause bleeding.
“It enters a vein in the intestinal lining, where it develops into an adult worm and mates,” Dillman told the University of California Riverside News. “It doesn't matter that there's an adult in the vein. The egg gets into the lungs, spleen, liver, heart. The immune system tries to deal with it, and a hard mass of immune cells called a granuloma forms. Eventually The organ tissue stops functioning.”
The University of California Riverside News reported that 11 dogs in three counties were confirmed to be infected with the disease, and one dog died. Symptoms include weight loss and signs of liver disease, he added. ” may take several months to appear.
“Treatment typically involves the use of multiple medications and close monitoring of the dog by a veterinarian,” said Emily Beeler, a veterinarian with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
This parasite can cause swimmer's itch in humans, but does not cause infection.
