"Deadly Dog Parasite Discovered in Southern California River"

The potentially fatal parasite Heterobilharzia Americana, also known as liver fluke, has been found in a portion of the Colorado River in Blythe, Southern California, posing a threat to dogs. The parasite, transmitted by certain types of snails, can cause granulomatous gastrointestinal and hepatic disease in dogs, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. While it does not cause disease in humans, it can cause swimmer's itch. Public awareness is being raised to prevent pets from swimming in the infected river, and treatment for infected dogs is available through medications administered by a veterinarian.