"Deadly Dog-Killing Parasite Spreading in U.S. West: California's First Case"

Scientists at the University of California Riverside have discovered dog-killing worms, known as liver fluke, in Southern California for the first time. The worms, transmitted by snails along the Colorado Riverbed, can cause canine schistosomiasis and were previously only found in Texas, Louisiana, and Florida. The discovery suggests a broader expansion of the parasite than previously known, raising concerns for pet owners and public health officials. The worms can be fatal to dogs and have been linked to 11 cases of canine schistosomiasis in the region. While the parasite is not known to cause disease in humans, precautions are advised for pet owners, including fecal testing and close monitoring by a veterinarian.