News
“Dog-killing parasite” discovered in Southern California
A warning for dog owners: keep your pets out of local rivers this season.
New research from the University of California, Riverside found what they’re calling a “dog-killing parasite” lurking in parts of the Colorado River running close to the Coachella Valley.
The parasite, Heterobilharzia americana, was previously found in Texas and other Gulf Coast states but has been reported out West for the first time.
The flatworm was found in sick dogs that were swimming in the river in Blythe, California in Riverside County. Researchers say it’s transmitted to dogs through infected snails.
Symptoms start gradually with a loss of appetite, and eventually include vomiting, diarrhea, profound weight loss, and signs of liver disease.
The parasite is not known to be capable of causing disease in humans but can cause swimmer’s itch; a red rash where it penetrates human skin.
Experts we spoke with say they are working to find out the extent of this parasite’s range.
“It certainly is still a danger for pets in this area and maybe further north in the Colorado River as well. That remains to be seen,” said Adler Dillman, Professor of Parasitology & Nematologist and Chair of the Department of Nematology at the University of California, Riverside.
Dillman says since 2019 in California, 11 dogs in three counties have been confirmed with this disease, and one has died.
If your pet does get infected, it can be treated and taken care of.
This story was written and reported by Kai Beech.
By: Pristine Villarreal
March 25, 2024
Latest Instagram Posts
After a car drove through a walkway, damaging Bill’s Pizza, the restaurant appears to have begun repairs and is still open the following day. The neighboring store, Gallivant was also damaged and is closed until Monday. NBC Palm Springs is following the effects of this accident and what this means to the Palm Springs community. #billspizza #palmsprings #continuingcoverage #localnews #coachellavalley
Researchers at Southern Illinois University Carbondale are using bioengineered baker's yeast to break down plastic into ingredients for cookies.
Camden, Arkansas, is the unlikely hub of US missile manufacturing after years of conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have drained the country's arsenal. But the Trump administration's push to scale up defense production is colliding with the limits of the small, rural town.
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will 1) Devin Session with the diving TD, 2) Mason Flores with the dot on the run, 3) Reese Johnson with the clutch FG, 4) Kaylaun Smith running over defenders, or 5) Joshua Perez with the TD throw. #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
🏒🔥 LET’S HEAR FROM TIM O’BRIEN! We’re kicking off Coachella Valley Firebirds Opening Night and catching up with Tim O’Brien! Hear what he has to say as the Firebirds get ready to hit the ice for another exciting season. 🏒🔥 #CoachellaValleyFirebirds #Firebirds #OpeningNight #Hockey #CoachellaValley PalmSprings CVFirebirds
SHARE this reel to help find ‘The Fab 5’ a home! 🐶🤍 #therogginreport #palmsprings #dogrescue #coachellavalley #nbcpalmsprings
🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Take a moment to know the warning signs, schedule your mammogram, and talk with your doctor about the screening schedule that’s right for you. Early detection can make a difference. 💗 #BreastCancerAwareness #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #Mammogram #EarlyDetection #BreastHealth CoachellaValley DAPHealth
🎬 FREE MOVIE TICKETS! 🍿❤️ Our Manny the Movie Guy is here with a chance to see the upcoming screening of “Love of Your Life” — FREE! 📅 This Tuesday 📍 Mary Pickford Theatre — Cathedral City Want to see the movie before everyone else? Manny has the tickets! 🎟️ Watch for details on how you can enter and score your FREE tickets! #MannyTheMovieGuy #LoveOfYourLife #FreeTickets #MovieScreening #CathedralCity CoachellaValley MaryPickford NBCPalmSprings
🚨 SB 1379 is officially law, separating the Riverside County Sheriffs department and the coroners offices effective July 2027. @maria_nvtv spoke with Sheriff Chad Bianco and a local mom, and both spoke on what this means to them. Be sure to go to nbcpalmsprings.com to see the full report #SB1379 #RiversideCounty #CaliforniaPolitics #ChadBianco #incustodydeaths
It’s time for Season 5!! Fuego stopped by the studio today with a message! Coachella Valley Firebirds season opener this Friday, October 2 at 7 p.m. — tickets at CVFIREBIRDS.COM