In an alarming discovery, scientists have recognized a probably deadly parasite within the Colorado River close to the Arizona border, posing a major threat to canine. The parasite, often known as heterobilharzia americana or liver fluke, has been confirmed for the primary time within the Western United States, in response to Professor Adler Dillman of the College of California Riverside.
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The parasite’s presence was detected in a man-made pond in Moab, Utah, alarmingly near a tributary of the Colorado River, suggesting it might have unfold all through the river’s expanse, probably reaching so far as the Gulf of Mexico.
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The liver fluke doesn’t pose a risk to people, however pet homeowners are urged to train warning, particularly in common leisure areas like Lake Havasu. The invention got here to gentle after veterinarians contacted Professor Dillman, reporting 11 instances of canine schistosomiasis, a illness brought on by the parasite, over the previous 5 years. Subsequent analysis concerned amassing round 2,000 snails from the river financial institution, which revealed the presence of the liver fluke.
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Canine can contract the parasite by way of ingestion or publicity to infested water, resulting in extreme signs corresponding to fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and bloody diarrhea. Fortunately, efficient therapy choices can be found. Regardless of the necessity for additional testing to find out the complete extent of the parasite’s unfold, canine homeowners are suggested to maintain their pets away from probably contaminated waters to forestall an infection.
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