Science, Space and Technology News 2024
UC Riverside scientists have discovered the potentially fatal liver fluke parasite, Heterobilharzia americana, in the Colorado River in California, a first for the region. Originating from research on local canine infections, the finding highlights the unexpected presence of parasite-carrying snails. Dog owners are urged to be cautious and watch for symptoms of infection.
After learning about cases of the infection in local dogs, Dillman assembled a research team and headed to Blythe, a border town east of Joshua Tree National Park in Riverside County, where the sick dogs had all spent time swimming in the river.The infection is driven by the presence of a snail that transmits the worm. The research team collected more than 2,000 snails from the banks of the river. Aof snails that can support H.
“It gets into the veins of the intestinal lining, and that’s where it develops into an adult and mates,” Dillman said. “The presence of the adults in the veins isn’t the problem. It’s the eggs that get into the lungs, spleen, liver, and heart. The immune system tries to deal with it, and hard clusters of immune cells called granulomas form. Eventually, the organ tissues stop functioning.”
It is important to note that H. americana is not known to be capable of causing disease in humans. “It can cause swimmer’s itch, a red rash where it penetrates human skin. But it’s not able to cause infection,” Dillman said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Reminder issued to pet owners after dog arrives at shelter in a 'sticky' situationA little dog has learned a painful lesson near Blackfoot, Idaho. The poor pooch, named Winnie by shelter staff, had an encounter with the prickly side of a porcupine.
Read more »
Dog Owners Share How They Alleviate 'Dog Parent Guilt'I won't admit how many times I've canceled plans so my dog won't be lonely.
Read more »
California Bill Aims to Make Renting Easier for Pet OwnersA bill proposed in the California State Assembly could make it easier for pet owners to find rental housing by prohibiting blanket bans on pets and allowing landlords to ask about pet ownership after approving a tenant's application.
Read more »
End-of-life pet doulas address needs of animals, ownersA new frontier is emerging in the world of pet welfare: end-of-life pet doulas that provide a holistic approach to care.
Read more »
Pet DNA company sends back dog breed results from human sample a second timeA pet DNA testing company linked dog breeds to a human sample – twice.
Read more »
Pet insurance: How your vet can help cut costsWhen it comes to reducing pet insurance costs, owners have a unique resource: their veterinarian.
Read more »