HETEROBILHARZIA AMERICANA (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: In a first, Southern California discovered a dog-killing flatworm parasite in the Colorado River as scientists warn of its spread in other states.

Heterobilharzia americana

• About: It is a flatworm also called a liver fluke. It has now migrated to the west.
• Found: Texas and other Gulf states
• Cause: The worm responsible for canine schistosomiasis affects dogs' livers and intestines, posing a serious health risk.
• Symptoms: Lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and signs of liver damage.
• Human Infection Risk: It does not typically infect humans, it can be transmitted.

Colorado River

• About: It is one of the principal rivers (along with the Rio Grande) in the Southwestern United States and in northern Mexico. 

oIt originates in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and flows through Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California, and Mexico before emptying into the Gulf of California in Mexico.