GEORGIA — The Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division are encouraging anglers, boaters, and visitors to lakes across the state to help prevent the spread of invasive snail species.
They say these species can harbor a type of worm that can potentially cause illness in humans if eaten.
In a recent cooperative study, the department partnered with Dr. Tyler Achatz’s parasitology lab at Middle Georgia State University, and examined two species of invasive aquatic snails, the apple and mystery snail, for various parasites.
The snails were collected from multiple locations around the state and tested for the presence of various parasites.
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The tests confirmed a low-level presence of rat lungworm in both species.
The parasite can be transmitted to people when snails or slugs are eaten raw or undercooked.
Though an infection of rat lungworm is very low, in extremely rare cases, infection can lead to eosinophilic meningitis, with complications including the possibility of death.
The Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control says the parasite does not replicate in humans and cannot transmit between humans.
For more information on invasive species, including apple and mystery snails, and how to report sightings, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/ans.
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