New Dog Parasite Found in Blythe, CA

[hipsterreplacement]

I'm not a petowner, but I wanted to post this warning since I know a lot of nomads stop in and around Blythe. An introduced snail carrying a parasite that can host in dogs is now found in the Colorado River around Blythe and that region.

They're still researching how far this new introduction has spread and what other species might be affected. Luckily, you can treat your dog for this, but you have to know the signs.

 

[bvanevery]

Far out. Well my dog's dead but if I get another one someday, then I'll be more ready.

Don't let dogs eat raw salmon or trout parts discarded by fisherpeople. There's a microorganism carried by a parasite eaten by a snail eaten by the salmon or trout, that is lethal to dogs. Dogs in the Pacific Northwest started dying in the 19th century and then eventually scientists figured this out. This latest news item reminds me about such parasitic cycles. The parasite can be found in any "carnivorous" river fish. It isn't an ocean fish problem.

 

[maki2]

Thanks!

The biologist investigation teams are also finding the fungal spores for Valley fever in the rodent burrows in the desert areas in theSouthwest. Those rodents typicall dig their burrows in the roots of the vegetation that grows adjacent to or in the washes. So keep your dogs from hunting mice and rats in the washes if you are concerned about the dogs or cats contracting valley fever. I have seen many persons who walk their dogs along the washes just to entertain their pets by giving them something to sniff at and dig into the soil for. Do not let your dogs try to dig up rodents, they could get a lung full of valley fever spores!