Dog-infecting Parasite Discovered by UCR Scientists in Colorado River Snails

A research team led by Adler Dillman, Professor of Nematology and ETOX faculty member, has identified the cause of a disease that has been affecting dogs in Southern California.  All of the affected dogs had spent time swimming in the Colorado River and Dr. Dillman and his research group were able to find the flatworm parasite, Heterobilharzia americana, in snails along the riverbank. The parasitic worm is known to cause canine schistosomiasis, an illness that impacts the liver and intestines of dogs. Their research has recently been published in the journal Pathogens and has been highlighted in UCR News.  The research has also been the focus of many articles in newspapers such as the LA Times, USA Today, and Newsweek as well as on regional TV news shows on NBC Palm Springs,  NBCLA, etc.  Our congratulations to Adler and his research team for discovering the cause of this mysterious canine illness.  [The photos above are from the UCR News article.]