University of Florida scientists are warning that a rare parasite that is found in both snails and rats is capable of causing serious health issues for both animals and humans in South Florida.
The parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis, or ‘rat lungworm’ as it is known, has been discovered in a multitude of snail species in the Miami area. The parasite has also been found in the invasive Giant African snail. Researchers discovered the parasite problem while investigating the death of an orangutan. It was discovered that the orangutan died after consuming infected snails. This is the second death of a primate cause by rat lungworm since 2004.
Rat lungworm has been a public health issue in both Hawaii and Asia. It has also been discovered in Louisiana. If an individual is infected with the parasite it eats its way through their central nervous system. It is rare that an infection is fatal, but it can happen. Symptoms of the parasite are headaches and in some cases paralysis, reports the Pensacola News Journal .
Dozens of people have fallen ill after becoming infected in Hawaii after they consumed small snails on produce that was not properly washed. This parasite thrives in warm climates
“It’s taken hold in the most consistently warm parts of the U.S., People are becoming more aware of it and scientists are looking for it and finding it,” said Robert Cowie a researcher from the University of Florida.
Researchers say that discovering just how pervasive the snail is in Florida is vital because of the health threat it poses to both humans and animals.
“Humans can’t become infected with this parasite unless they eat an undercooked or raw snail. As long as food is cooked and you wash your produce, you will most likely never ingest it,” explains Heather Walden of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the lead author on a new study on the parasite.
Rat lungworm was first discovered in humans in Taiwan back in 1945. So far some 3,000 cases have been reported worldwide. The majority of reported cases come from China, the Pacific Islands and Thailand, reports the Science Recorder.
The reason the parasite continues to spread is the ‘symbiotic relationship’ between rats and snails. Rats eat the infected snails and snails feed on infected rat poop. Rats often make their way onto ships, thus spreading the parasite to other regions.
Researchers in Florida have tested five different species of snails and three have tested positive for rat lungworm.
Researchers are also issuing warnings to pet owners, “If you know you have a snail problem, try to keep your pet away from that area,” Walden said.
Photo courtesy of Animalkid.com.
Researchers State That Parasite Found In Snails And Rats Poses Real Health Risk To Humans In Florida is an article from: The Inquisitr News
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