Georgia detects rat lungworm parasite in invasive snails, posing health risks if consumed.
Georgia's Department of Natural Resources has found rat lungworm, a parasite harmful to humans, in invasive apple and mystery snails in the state. These snails, originally from South America and East Asia, can spread the parasite if consumed raw or undercooked, leading to symptoms like headaches and nausea, and rarely, meningitis. This is the first detection of the parasite in Georgia snails. The department advises preventing the spread of these invasive species by properly cleaning fishing and boating equipment and not releasing them into the wild.
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