A professor has called for Americans to spread awareness of a dog-killing parasite that was recently discovered in the Colorado River for the first time.
The Colorado River is the 6th largest river in the United States. Despite its name, water from the river runs through Wyoming, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, Arizona, and California.
Infection can cause canine schistosomiasis
Scientists based at the University of California, Riverside, discovered flatworms in the Colorado River for the first time. The flatworms (Heterobilharzia americana), only known to live in Texas and other Gulf Coast states, have never been seen this far West.
“Dogs can die from this infection, so we are hoping to raise public awareness that it’s there,” said UCR nematology professor Adler Dillman. “If you’re swimming in the Colorado River with them, your pets are in peril.”
The parasite is supported by a snail that transmits it to other animals, which in dogs can cause canine schistosomiasis.
Upon further investigation in Riverside County, Dillman and his research team collected over 2,000 snails.
“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 said. “Not only was it a surprise to find H. americana, but we also did not know that the snails were present here.”
What to look out for
Speaking about the dog-killing parasite in the newly published study, Los Angeles veterinarian Emily Beeler commented: “Symptoms start gradually with a loss of appetite, and eventually include vomiting, diarrhea, profound weight loss, and signs of liver disease.
“If your dog has these symptoms after swimming in the Colorado River, it’s a good precaution to ask your veterinarian for a simple fecal test.
“Treatment typically involves the use of multiple medications and close monitoring of the dog by a veterinarian.”
Thankfully, flatworms are not dangerous to humans besides inflicting a rash called swimmer itch.
