Dog-killing worms found in California for the first time: Scientists discover hundreds of snails in Colorado River harboring the parasite that has killed at least one pet

By Stacy Liberatore | DailyMail.com |

THE DAILY MAIL - Scientists have discovered dog-killing worms in Southern California for the first time, which have infected at least 11 pets - one of which died.

A team at the University of California Riverside (UCR) found Heterobilharzia americana, a flatworm commonly referred to as liver fluke, are being transmitted by snails living along the Colorado Riverbed.

The worms can cause canine schistosomiasis, an illness that impacts the liver and intestines of dogs, and were previously only found in Texas, Louisiana and Florida. 

UCR nematology professor Adler Dillman said: 'Dogs can die from this infection, so we are hoping to raise public awareness that it's there.

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